A cooperation agreement was signed today between the Interregional Association "Irbis" Centre for the Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard and the public volunteer movement "On the Trail of the Snow Leopard." The signing took place within the framework of the international conference "Study and Conservation of the Snow Leopard Across the World. Uniting Efforts."

The accord is aimed at developing joint scientific research and environmental education work, as well as implementing projects dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the snow leopard population in the Russian Federation, which forms part of the national "Environmental Wellbeing" project. The first joint field efforts are scheduled to begin in the near future, with plans to increase the number of expeditions into the wild.

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This is a significant step for us. We understand that to preserve the snow leopard in our country, we must take concerted action, as only collaborative work can yield substantial results. Our colleagues from the ‘On the Trail of the Snow Leopard' movement have proven to be invaluable allies to our scientific work. The team has for many years provided essential assistance to the staff of the Sailugemsky National Park during expeditionary work, and we realised that with the Association’s support, we could achieve even more. We will continue to develop this direction and aim to extend our efforts beyond Altai to other regions inhabited by snow leopards.

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

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Venturing into the mountains is akin to going on a reconnaissance mission. You only do it with reliable people you can trust. With the ‘Irbis' Association, we can confidently go into the mountains! Therefore, we are grateful for the offer to sign this agreement. We will work together to protect the snow leopard in Russia and across the world.

added Igor Pautov, Head of the "On the Trail of the Snow Leopard" Public 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 brought together 180 participants from 12 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Russian delegation was represented by 11 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.