A joint initiative to restore the population of the endangered goitered gazelle in southwestern Issyk-Kul is showing promising results, thanks to the sustained efforts of local and international partners. The species, once on the brink of extinction in Kyrgyzstan, is making a comeback with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other key stakeholders.
The initiative, led by the Public Association "Argali Fund" with backing from the Small Grants Programme of the Global Environment Facility (SGP GEF), UNDP, and in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan and the German Nature Conservation Union, has seen the population rise from 27 gazelles in 2021 to 47 by the end of 2023.
The recovery program includes a range of conservation activities such as building enclosures, expanding the habitat to 50 hectares, and restoring the local ecosystem to prepare for the gradual reintroduction of the gazelles into the wild. Comprehensive care and monitoring protocols have also been developed and shared with scientific institutions and local communities to ensure the sustainability of the project.
On May 2, 2025, President Sadyr Japarov visited the Jeiren-Ordo site, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation and expressing strong support for the upcoming release of 25 gazelles into their natural habitat this summer. Experts predict that, under favorable conditions, the population could reach 500 within the next decade.
Local communities have played a vital role in the project, with over 220 residents trained and involved in various conservation activities. In addition to wildlife protection, the initiative is also promoting ecotourism. Educational materials have been prepared, and steps are underway to grant the area official status as the "Jeiren-Ordo" Zoological Reserve.
This initiative forms part of UNDP’s broader collaboration with the Kyrgyz government under the National Strategy and Action Plan for Biodiversity Conservation. By focusing on the protection of endangered species and sustainable ecosystem management, the project contributes directly to global Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
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