Organising body: Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, GSLEP Secretariat
Partner organisations: Snow Leopard Trust (SLT), The Nature And Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Concept Note
The high mountains of Asia and their glaciers provide life-sustaining resources such as freshwater and clean air to a third of the world’s human population. This is also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, estimated to be warming at twice the rate of the Northern Hemisphere average. Melting glaciers, extreme climatic events, changing seasonal patterns and enhanced risk of diseases are putting the region’s people and wildlife populations at greater risk, thus threatening the fabric of life and development in Central and South Asia. Climate Adaptation programs are needed urgently for the Indigenous peoples and local communities in the region who have a high dependence on ecosystem services, and whose well-being and conservation leadership are critical for the future of this region and its wildlife.
The endangered snow leopard Panthera uncia is a powerful symbol of the importance and resilience of the high mountains of Asia. This magnificent species has brought all our 12 nations together to collaborate for conservation and climate action in Asia’s high mountains under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program. This intergovernmental alliance was established in 2013 to help achieve the goals of the Bishkek Declaration.
The IX Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Programme (GSLEP) is being held on June 5-6, 2025 in Cholpon-Ata, to be represented by the Environment Ministers from snow leopard range countries, alongside representatives from conservation partner organizations and International Financial Institutions. At this meeting, governments will share the efforts undertaken to protect snow leopards and support Indigenous peoples and local communities for coexistence and climate adaptation. They will identify priority actions and an implementation scheme; assess resource needs, and identify the modalities of conservation and climate adaptation financing. The meeting will initiate a review and update of the 12 National Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Priorities (NSLEPs) and Global Support Components (GSCs) of the GSLEP Program that was last undertaken in 2013. This will ensure that GSLEP continues to address the key threats and needs in a fast-changing world, and also supports the countries in meeting national targets under key international conventions.
Working languages: The working languages of the meeting are English and Russian. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.
Meeting goals: The Steering Committee shall jointly review the conservation work being done by various countries and identify future priority actions to conserve snow leopards and High Asia’s ecosystems and enhance the welfare of people living there. The gathering also hopes to provide an opportunity to discuss innovative financing of conservation through development activities, climate adaptation in the high mountains of Asia, and community-centric conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Zoom: https://snowleopard-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W2oABTVZRCuawb8Q5YE5Jg
| Day 0: 4 June, 2025
Cholpon – Ata/ State Residence No. 2, Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan |
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| – | Arrivals | |
| 18:30-20:30 | Meet and greet/ Dinner (Barashak Restaurant, Cholpon-Ata) | |
| Day 1: 5 June, 2025
Venue: State Residence No. 2– Congress-Hall (Cholpon – Ata, Issyk-Kul) |
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| 09:30-10:45 | Registration and Coffee | |
| 10:45-12:00 | Inauguration of the IX Steering Committee Meeting of the
Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) GSLEP Video Welcome address – M. Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic Speech by the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Mr. Minnikhanov Rustam Nurgalievich Special address from the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, delivered by Dinara Kemelova, Special Representative of the President for the implementation of a Five-Year Action Plan for the Development of Mountain Regions Statements by the Snow Leopard Countries – Mr.Alhaj Mawlavi Mutiul Haq Nabi Kheel, Director General, National Environmental Protection Agency of Afghanistan ; – Mr. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment, forests and climate change, Government of India; – Ms. Shizra Mansab Ali Khan, Minister of State, Climate Change & Environmental Coordination of Pakistan – Mr. Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. – Mr. Weisheng WANG, Director-General, Department of Wildlife Conservation, National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China; Statements by International Strategic Partners of the GSLEP – Mr. Charudutt Mishra, – Senior Advisor, GSLEP & Executive Director, International Snow Leopard Trust SLT; – Mr. Jörg-Andreas Krüger – President, the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union of Germany NABU; – Ms. Monica Moldovan – Regional Technical Advisor, United Nations Development Program Speech time limit – 5 min Moderator: Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic & GSLEP Secretariat. |
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| 12:00-12:10 | Group photo | |
| 12:10-12:40 | Continuation of the Inaugural Session of the IX GSLEP Steering Committee Meeting
Statements by snow leopard range countries via video link: – Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Kingdom of Bhutan; – Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan; – Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia; – Ministry of Forest and Environment of Nepal; – Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation; – Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan Statements by Heads of partner organizations joining via video link – Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, Global Environment Facility – Ms. Doreen Robinson, Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Division, United Nations Environment Program Moderator: Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic & GSLEP Secretariat |
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| 12:40-14:00 | Lunch Break | |
| 14:00-15:50 | Snow leopard conservation updates by the range countries (10 minutes each)
Moderator: Senior Advisor, GSLEP Rapporteur: Salavat Baktybek Kyzy & Chloe Lucas |
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| 15:50-16:10 | Coffee Break | |
| 16:10-17:10 | Plan for updating National Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Priorities (NSLEP)
Chair: Russia Co-Chair: Bhutan Moderator: GSLEP Secretariat Rapporteur: Deepshikha Sharma, Fatima Mannapbekova |
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| 17:10-18:15 | Session 1: Strengthening ethical foundations and local community leadership in snow leopard conservation
Chair: Tajikistan Co Chair: Nepal Moderator: International Big Cat Alliance & Ethical Conservation Alliance Rapporteur: Deepshikha Sharma, Fatima Mannapbekova |
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| 19:30-22:00 | Official reception co-hosted by the Ministry of the Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic | |
| Day 2: 6 June, 2025
Venue: State Residence No. 2– Congress-Hall (Cholpon – Ata, Issyk-Kul) |
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| 09:00-11:00 | Thematic Session 1: Threats and Mitigation
Chair: China Co-Chair: Afghanistan Moderator: Muhammad Ali Nawaz Rapporteur: Salavat Baktybek Kyzy and Fatima Mannapbekova Thematic Session 2: Knowledge Sharing
Chair: Pakistan Co-Chair: Mongolia Moderator: Hem Sagar Baral Rapporteur: Salavat Baktybek Kyzy and Fatima Mannapbekova |
| 11:00-11:30 | Coffee Break |
| 11:30-13:00 | Thematic Session 3: Resource mobilization for snow leopard conservation
Moderator: GSLEP Secretariat Chair: India Co-Chair: Kyrgyzstan Rapporteur: Deepshikha Sharma and Oliver Wearn |
| 13:00-14:30 | Lunch |
| 14:30-16:00 | CLOSED SESSION (Country delegations and GSLEP observer members): VENUE – Middle Hall
Discussion and agreement on next steps (including multi-country GBFF proposal) and the Cholpon-Ata Resolution Note: For official delegations and GSLEP partners Moderator: GSLEP Secretariat Rapporteur: Salavat Baktybek Kyzy & Deepshikha Sharma |
| 14:30-16:00 | PARALLEL SESSION VENUE – Big Congress Hall
Chair: TBD Co-Chair: TBD Moderator: Katja, NABU |
| 16:10-16:20 | Reading out of the text of the Final Resolution
Moderator: GSLEP SCM Co-Chair |
| 16:20-16:30 | Closing and Next Steps
Moderator: GSLEP Secretariat |
| 17:00-18:00 | Ferry ride on Lake Issyk Kul |
| 18:10-20:30 | Dinner and “Snow leopard” award ceremony |
| Day 3: 7 June, 2025 | |
| – | Departure Day |
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LOGISTICS GUIDE
Ninth Steering Committee Meeting of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)
on June 5-6, 2025, Cholpon-Ata city, Kyrgyz Republic
- INTRODUCTION
This Reminder has been prepared for the attention of foreign and local delegates who will participate in the aforementioned IX Steering Committee Meeting of the GSLEP Program in Cholpon-Ata city, Issyk-Kul region, to help them with logistics issues. Each delegate is responsible for taking personal precautions to ensure safe entry and travel to Kyrgyzstan.
- ОRGANIZATION
First day, June 5: The IX Steering Committee Meeting of the GSLEP Program will be held from 09:00 to 18:00 (UTC+6), which will end with an official reception on behalf of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. The IX Meeting will be held in a hybrid mode (face-to-face and through the Zoom platform)
https://snowleopard-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W2oABTVZRCuawb8Q5YE5Jg).
The second day, June 6: The IX Steering Committee Meeting of the GSLEP Program will include thematic sessions and discussion panels with the participation of officials, international partners and the scientific community (expert discussions). The program of the second day includes the approval ceremony of the final Cholpon Ata Resolution and the official presentation of the NABU Award “Snow Leopard”, a ferry ride on Issyk-Kul lake to the dinner venue.
- VENUE
June 5-6, 2025, State Residence № 2, Cholpon-Ata сity, Issyk-Kul region, Kyrgyz Republic
- GETTING BADGES
- Official delegations: The snow leopard range countries will receive their badges upon check-in.
- International guests and representatives of international partner organizations: will receive their badges upon registration, depending on the place of check-in (Reception desk) at Karven 4 Seasons, Raduga, Gold Assn.
- Local participants and guests, international organizations accredited in the Kyrgyz Republic: will receive their badges upon check-in (Reception desk) at Karven 4 Seasons, Raduga, Gold Assn.
- Media representatives: they will receive through the GSLEP Secretariat coordinators.
* Additionally, all categories of participants (those who did not receive badges in advance) will be given the opportunity to receive tags upon registration on the morning of June 5, directly at the event venue.
Important: to access the venue, participants must have tags and an identity card or passport with them.
- VISA
Upon arrival at Manas International Airport (Bishkek city): It is possible to apply for a visa for citizens of countries with a simplified visa regime. The list of countries whose citizens are eligible for a simplified visa is available on the website: https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg
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TRANSPORTATION
Transfer: MANAS International Airport (Bishkek city)
- Transportation will be provided for official delegates from the snow leopard range countries (meeting/departure and during the event). Information about the transfer of individual delegations from/to Manas International Airport for members of official delegations will be provided to participants by e-mail.
- For the remaining participants, a transfer will be from the Airport to Raduga, Karven, Gold Assn., in case of sending a preliminary request for a meeting. Please contact in advance w/app+996 558990 188 Ms Cholpon Mamyrova
- For those who are not met at the Airport, they can use the services of an official Manas taxi, the information desk of which is located in the baggage area of the Airport, and a GSLEP information desk will be installed there.
The approximate cost of a taxi from Manas Airport is 1500 Kyrgyz Soms ($17) to the center of Bishkek and 6500 Kyrgyz Soms ($75) to Raduga/ Karven (Sary-Oi), Gold Assn (Cholpon-Ata city).
There will also be an information stand at the airport with an event sign where participants can go for transportation advice.
To coordinate details, please ensure that the participant provides to the organizer’s arrival and departure schedules, including flight itineraries to secretariat@globalsnowleopard.org.
Transfer to Bishkek-Cholpon-Ata-Bishkek: Departure June 4 – Arrival June 7
- Bishkek – Gold Assn (Cholpon-Ata)/ Raduga, Karven (Sary – oy):
June 4, departure: 14:00 – Meeting place: Erkindik Boulevard 2, building of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of KR.
* Preliminary request by tel.: +996 551 523 225 Momukulov Nurbek.
2) Gold Assn (Cholpon-Ata)/Raduga, Karven (Sary – oy): ( Meeting at the parking lot) – Bishkek
June 7, departure: 11:00 – arrival in Bishkek at the address Erkindik Boulevard 2, the building of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic.
* Preliminary request by tel.: +996 551 523 225 Momukulov Nurbek
Transfer TO and FROM the venue in Issyk-Kul
Day 1, June 5:
Departure to State Residence 2: Raduga, Karven (Sary – oy) at 07:40 am and Gold Assn (Cholpon-Ata) at 07:40 am.
Participants staying at hotels other than those listed above must arrive at the venue in advance.
Departure from the place of dinner (reception) at 21:00 – arrival: Gold Assn, Raduga, Karven.
Day 2, June 6:
Departure to State Residence 2: Raduga, Karven (Sary – oy) at 8:00 am and Gold Assn (Cholpon-Ata) at 08:20 am.
Participants staying in hotels other than those mentioned above should arrive at the venue in advance.
Departure from the dinner venue at 21:30 – arrival: Gold Assn, Raduga, Karven.
Weather
The first half of June in Cholpon-Ata is mild summer weather with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. Although the days can be sunny and pleasant, sometimes rain showers and cool evenings are common.
Important! On June 6, according to the program it is planned to take a ferry ride on Lake Issyk-Kul (1 hour) to the place of dinner . It is necessary to have appropriate outerwear.
Electricity
In Kyrgyzstan, the standard 220 w voltage is used. Sockets have types C and F. If necessary, it is recommended to bring suitable adapters.
For more information about the Meeting and logistics, please contact:
The content (rapporteurs, session presentations), draft Cholpon-Ata Resolution of the IX Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Global GSLEP:
– Koustubh Sharma, International Coordinator GSLEP / SLT E-mail: koustubh@snowleopard.org
– Chyngyz Kochorov, GSLEP National Coordinator, Email: chyngyz@globalsnowleopard.org
- Hotel accommodation (self-paid guests) Cholpon Mamyrova
Email: conference@concept.kg Tel: +996558 990 188
- Hotel accommodation (State Residence of the President
of the Kyrgyz Republic №2 – Chyngyz Elbek Uulu Tel.: + 996 555 890 098,
- Badges: Chyngyz Elbek Uulu Tel: + 996 555 890 098,
- Transportation for country participants: Momukulov Nurbek: Tel: +996 551 523 225
- Media relations, visual materials: Joomart Maksatbekov Tel: +996 507 938 351