The international conference, "Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard Across the World. Uniting Efforts," has drawn to a successful close in Kazan. The event was organised by the Interregional Association "Irbis" Centre for the Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard, the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan, and the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources.

The preservation of the snow leopard in Russia is a central objective of the national "Environmental Wellbeing" project.

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This international meeting of experts from all 12 range states has allowed us to see the complete picture of how the snow leopard is being protected across the planet. The threats and conditions are largely similar, as are the methods of conserving the species. I am confident that the new knowledge, the opportunity to learn from the invaluable experience of each country, the cooperation agreements, and the concrete action plans represent a real chance to improve the protection of this rare predator across the world. I am delighted that Russia was the country to provide this opportunity for international specialists. Only by uniting decision-makers, business, and society can we give snow leopards a fighting chance.

Ali Uzdenov, Chairman of the General Assembly of the Interregional Association "Irbis".

In a first for the history of nature conservation in the Russian Federation, the conference brought together representatives from all twelve nations within the snow leopard’s range to exchange expertise and discuss plans for safeguarding the global population of this rare predator. Scientists from Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan presented data on the status of their respective snow leopard populations.

Over two days, the agenda featured a plenary session, two strategic sessions, and four working sessions. The proceedings culminated in the adoption of the Kazan Resolution on the conservation of the world’s snow leopards.

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Specialists on the snow leopard were given an excellent opportunity to meet with international colleagues in person. The conference platform allowed for an exchange of experience, the forging of new connections, an expansion of mutual cooperation, and the arrangement of professional placements. This large-scale event in the field of snow leopard study and conservation will help to promote Russia’s image and position within the international environmental agenda. Thus, Kazan has become the starting point for productive collaboration, intensive work, and frequent future meetings.

Daria Petrova, Director of the Interregional Association "Irbis" Centre for the Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard.

Participants identified key factors impacting global snow leopard numbers, including poaching, a depletion of the natural prey base due to unregulated hunting of wild ungulates, and the expansion of livestock grazing, which encroaches upon the snow leopard’s habitat.

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In the early 1990s, during the post-socialist period, poaching increased dramatically as people were living in great poverty. But since 2005, living standards have improved, and poaching has almost disappeared. The main problem for the snow leopard in Mongolia now is the growing number of livestock, which has led to a shortage of pastures. While there were 28 million head of livestock in 1991, there are now over 70 million. Herders are moving higher into the mountains onto snow leopard territory, displacing the Siberian ibex, which is the snow leopard’s primary prey.

Bariushaa Munkhtsog, Head of the Scientific Commission for the CITES delegation in Mongolia.

The critical role of Protected Areas was emphasised, with their total area in Russia amounting to 244 million hectares, of which over 5.5 million hectares are within the snow leopard’s range.

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Together with colleagues from other regions, we conduct counts to establish the total number of snow leopards in the country and organise environmental education events. Thanks to 200 camera traps from which we constantly collect data, we are able to conduct continuous monitoring. During the winter periods, when poacher activity increases, we strengthen the protection of the territory.

Denis Malikov, Director of the Sailugemsky National Park (Altai Republic).

Significant attention was paid to the question of snow leopard reintroduction—bolstering wild populations with animals born in captivity and prepared for life in the wild. Scientifically grounded reintroduction is a primary goal of the new "Snow Leopard" Centre for Biodiversity Conservation, built in the Altai Republic on the instruction of Rais Rustam Minnikhanov.

To establish a breeding stock, three snow leopards have already been brought to the Centre from Kyrgyzstan, with animals from Mongolia expected. The project is being implemented with support from the company "Tatneft" and scientific oversight from the A. N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

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The leopard on Tatarstan’s coat of arms embodies universal human and moral values, such as goodness, justice, the well-being of citizens, and friendship between peoples. It also reminds us of the need to protect our cultural identity.

Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais of Tatarstan, during the plenary session.

The importance of the conference was widely noted by participants, who engaged actively both in sessions and on the sidelines.

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We live in complex times when positive news stories are important. Biodiversity conservation is not just about the snow leopard. Next week, we will host the ‘Universe of the Polar Bear' conference, and at the Eastern Economic Forum, we hold an annual falcon forum. Themes related to wildlife, protected areas, ecology, and nature as a whole are close and understandable to everyone because we are part of nature and depend on its quality. This is our future. And the participation of a large international community, as at this conference, gives an even greater impetus to the sustainability, growth, and positioning of the Russian Federation in the world. We have much to share and discuss. Such conferences should become annual and be held on a regular basis.

Irina Makanova, Director of the Department of State Policy and Regulation for the Development of Protected Areas at the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources.

On the conference’s sidelines, an agreement was signed on cooperation in educational, scientific, and technical fields for the study, protection, and enhancement of snow leopard populations, enabling joint scientific programmes at the "Snow Leopard" Scientific Centre in the Altai Republic. A further agreement was concluded between the "Irbis" Association and the "On the Trail of the Snow Leopard" volunteer movement.

The international conference "Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard Across the World. Uniting Efforts" was held in Kazan from 13th to 15th March. It was attended by 180 people from 12 countries and 11 Russian regions, including Moscow, the Altai Republic, the Tyva Republic, Irkutsk Oblast, Perm Krai, Krasnoyarsk Krai, the Republic of Buryatia, the Republic of Khakassia, Novosibirsk Oblast, Rostov Oblast, and the Republic of Tatarstan.