As the year draws to a close, we at Saiga Conservation Alliance want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of 2023. It has been a year filled with noteworthy achievements, and we owe much of our success to our dedicated donors and supporters.
Without your unwavering commitment, none of this would have been possible.
1. US Fish and Wildlife Service Saiga Inception Meeting (March, Oxford, UK)
One of the defining moments of the year was our participation in the US Fish and Wildlife Service Saiga Inception meeting and its accompanying side events in Oxford, UK. This gathering brought together individuals and organisations with a shared passion for saiga conservation. It was a pivotal step towards forming partnerships and setting the stage for our collaborative efforts in the year ahead.
2. Training and Consultation for Sustainable Conservation
In 2022, we extended our efforts globally, conducting training and consultation sessions in various regions. From Resurrection Island to the Aralkum National Park Zoning Round Table, our focus was on creating sustainable conservation practices. We addressed crucial areas such as ecotourism planning, biodiversity preservation, and responsible gas extraction. These initiatives underscored our commitment to fostering a better future for saigas and their habitats.
3. The Return of the Saiga Conservation Alliance’s Annual Award
The Saiga Conservation Alliance’s Annual Award is a symbol of recognition for those who have displayed unwavering dedication to saiga conservation. In 2022, it returned to honor our team’s tireless efforts and our supporters’ invaluable contributions. The award stands as a testament to the hard work and passion that drives our mission.
4. Mission to Kazakhstan: Shaping Conservation Strategy
Our involvement in Kazakhstan this year was pivotal. We actively participated in National Management and Conservation Strategy discussions, contributing to the formation of vital strategies for saiga preservation. This mission was a testament to our commitment to saigas’ well-being, not only on a local but also on a global scale.
5. Albert Salemgareyev’s Prestigious Whitley Award
A moment of immense pride for us was when our partner, Albert Salemgareyev from the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), received the prestigious 2023 Whitley Award. His exceptional work in managing the Saiga Antelope Boom in Kazakhstan was acknowledged on an international stage. It is a recognition of the transformative impact we can achieve when we work together.
6. Bayarmaa Chuluunbat’s WCN Scholarship
Another highlight was Bayarmaa Chuluunbat being awarded the WCN Scholarship for the University of Mongolia. Her research is focused on the diet of the Mongolian saiga, seeking to determine whether they selectively eat certain plant species for better nutrition or consume what is readily available. Her work has the potential to provide invaluable insights into saiga conservation and behaviour.
7. Saiga Upgraded on IUCN Red List
In a rare and remarkable conservation success, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reclassified the saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica) from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened on the Red List, signifying a substantial global recovery for the species. This positive shift, announced on December 11, 2023, highlights the tremendous efforts of national and international conservation initiatives.
The saiga antelope, once on the brink with a population of only 48,000 in 2005, has experienced an extraordinary rebound in Kazakhstan. Current estimates now surpass 1.9 million, showcasing a triumph attributable to nearly two decades of dedicated conservation work by governments, NGOs, and research organisations.
This success story would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of numerous organisations. This includes particularly the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative, NABU, Wildlife Conservation Society, and WWF-Mongolia, along with the Saiga Conservation Alliance.
The Saiga Conservation Alliance’s work for saigas is based on long-term support from many donors who cared about the species’ fate. Particular mention goes to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Peoples Trust for Endangered Species, the Wildlife Conservation Network, and Whitley Fund for Nature, who have all supported our work over many years.
As we look back on these accomplishments, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all our donors and supporters. Your partnership has been instrumental in making these achievements possible. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished together in 2022, but our work is far from over.
As we move into 2024, we are filled with hope and determination to continue our mission to protect the saiga antelope and its unique ecosystem. Your support has made a significant difference, and we invite you to stay connected with us as we embark on new challenges and opportunities in the coming year.
Thank you for being a part of the Saiga Conservation Alliance family. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with hope, progress, and continued success.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on saiga conservation.