CHOLPON-ATA, KYRGYZSTAN – June 8, 2025 – In a powerful display of international collaboration, Environment Ministers from Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Pakistan and Tajikistan and senior civil servants from Mongolia, Russia and Uzbekistan gathered in Cholpon-Ata Kyrgyzstan to reaffirm their commitment to saving the endangered snow leopard and tackling the devastating impacts of climate change.
In a landmark move at the IX Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), participating countries issued the Cholpon-Ata Resolution, a bold commitment to increasing financial support for climate adaptation and conflict mitigation programs specifically for Indigenous peoples and local communities. The resolution also seeks to strengthen the ethical foundations of snow leopard conservation policies, recognizing the critical role of Indigenous community leadership and sustainable local economies in protecting these magnificent cats and their delicate habitats.
The majestic snow leopard, a symbol of Asia’s towering high mountains, is more than just an iconic species; it represents a critical lifeline. These mountains provide fresh water to over a third of the world’s population. Yet, they are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, warming at twice the Northern Hemisphere average. This alarming rate accelerates glacial melt, fuels extreme weather events, and increases disease risk, imperilling both human communities and wildlife. Urgent climate adaptation programs are desperately needed for the Indigenous peoples and local communities who call these mountains home – their well-being and leadership are vital for the future of these fragile ecosystems.
Participating countries made an appeal to the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and other multilateral funding mechanisms to invest in Asia’s high mountains and champion ethical approaches to nature conservation and climate adaptation. They also welcomed the recent endorsement of 23rd October as the International Day of Snow Leopards by the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations. This is the day the Bishkek Declaration for Snow Leopard Conservation (2013) was issued by the snow leopard range countries.
Heads of international and multilateral organizations such as the Global Environment Facility, the International Snow Leopard Trust and NABU and senior representatives of UNDP, UNEP and WWF participated in the meeting along with other national and international conservation organizations.
Quotes:
Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, Kyrgyzstan: “I am pleased that the Cholpon-Ata Resolution sets a clear path forward for intensified efforts in conservation and crucial climate adaptation initiatives.”
Shizra Mansab Ali Khan, Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Pakistan: “We are heartened by the pledges to enhance financial support for climate adaptation programs for Indigenous peoples and local communities, which is critical for fostering sustainable economies and effective conservation.”
Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, India: “The snow leopard stands as a powerful symbol of the vital importance of these high mountains. Building on the foundation laid over the past years, we must, now, accelerate our collective efforts as outlined in important deliberations at key international conventions, including those focused on migratory species, biodiversity, climate change, and desertification.”
Jorg-Andreas Kruger, President, Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union, “The high mountains of Asia are facing unprecedented threats from climate change, and the well-being of local communities is intrinsically linked to the health of these ecosystems.”
Chyngyz Kochorov, Head of the GSLEP Secretariat,“It was encouraging to see such a high level of interest in the 9th Steering Committee Meeting in Cholpon Ata, including eight countries that were represented by their respective Ministers, and three represented by senior Civil Servants. This reflects strong political will and a greater interest in the conservation of snow leopards and its ecosystem.”
Koustubh Sharma, International Coordinator, GSLEP: “The collaborative spirit and the joint commitment to enhance investments in snow leopard conservation and climate adaptation shown by the countries will facilitate much needed impactful and equitable conservation action.”
Charu Mishra, Executive Director, International Snow Leopard Trust: “Amidst increasing intolerance and geopolitical conflicts around the world, Asian countries uniting around snow leopards and agreeing to strengthen the ethical foundations of nature conservation offers hope for all life on the planet.”
