Along the remote border of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, the Kugitang Mountains are home to a unique mix of species and ecosystems, from Eurasian lynx and markhor—the world’s largest wild goat—to fragile cave systems and alpine grasslands. Since 2020, the Center for Large Landscape Conservation has led a collaborative effort to strengthen protected area management, monitoring, and connectivity in this region, with support from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. The project unfolded in two phases: first focusing on Koytendag State Nature Reserve (SNR) in Turkmenistan, then expanding across the border to Surkhan SNR in Uzbekistan.
Strengthening Monitoring and Management
A major focus of the project was improving wildlife monitoring using the SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) system. SMART helps rangers consistently track patrols, species sightings, and illegal activity, including grazing livestock in the reserves and wildlife poaching. In Turkmenistan, the tool was introduced in Koytendag SNR and eventually adopted across the national protected area system. In Uzbekistan, 20 additional rangers were trained, and SMART is now actively used in Surkhan SNR.
Biodiversity surveys conducted across both reserves confirmed relatively stable populations of lynx and markhor. However, urial sheep were found to be at risk, especially in areas where habitat is fragmented or overgrazed. The findings helped guide updates to reserve management plans and inform strategies for wildlife monitoring.
Cross-Border Cooperation
Recognizing that wildlife does not follow political borders, the project emphasized transboundary coordination. The Center helped support planning and facilitated two multi-day workshops which were instrumental in building momentum for connectivity conservation within and between the countries.
The first was held in 2023 in the capital Ashgabat, Turkmenistan with 21 participants from the reserves, national and regional government agencies, universities, and research institutions. The second was held in December 2024 in Termez, Uzbekistan near Surkhan SNR, with 29 participants from both countries. These events increased focus within and beyond the SNRs with strategies for ecological corridor planning, improving wildlife connectivity between reserves, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. A successful ranger exchange program between the two reserves further enhanced coordination, knowledge sharing, and joint conservation efforts.
A key outcome of this cooperation is progress toward a joint UNESCO World Heritage nomination for the Kugitang Mountains region to be recognized as one of the planet’s most outstanding sites for long-term conservation and sustainable development. With a wealth of new scientific information collected throughout the project, representatives from both countries agreed on a phased nomination process, with a preliminary assessment planned for 2026 and a full submission by 2029.
By the Numbers
- 38 rangers trained in SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool)
- 43,000 hectares of Koytendag and Surkhan SNR with improved management
- 10,292 feet—the elevation of Mount Ayrybaba, the highest point along this shared border
- 59 participants at the Ashgabat and Termez connectivity workshops
Laying the Groundwork for What’s Next
While obstacles persist, the project laid a strong foundation for:
- Strengthening conservation efforts through improved reserve management;
- Enhancing biodiversity protection by addressing critical habitat threats;
- Building long-term transboundary cooperation between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan; and
- Progressing toward UNESCO World Heritage status, which could bring global recognition and long-term support for conservation in the region.
Conservation progress in remote regions is often incremental. Over the past five years, the Center has continued advancing its Central Asian Ecological Connectivity Initiative, including being privileged to work with inspirational partners in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. By building and deploying practical tools, building trust, and aligning efforts across borders, this project has helped set the stage for dedicated rangers, scientists, and policymakers to practice more effective conservation in the Kugitang Mountains for years to come.
The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund is a joint initiative of l’Agence Française de Développement, Conservation International, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, the Government of Japan and the World Bank. A fundamental goal is to ensure civil society is engaged in biodiversity conservation.
Top photo: Eurasian Lynx are one of several endangered species in this region. (Camera trap image courtesy of Team Bars).
