The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (ADCI) has been awarded the Earthshot Prize 2024 in the “Protect and Restore Nature” category, recognizing its groundbreaking efforts to restore Kazakhstan’s ecosystems and the remarkable recovery of the Saiga Antelope.
Credit: Albert Salemgareyev
Founded in 2005, ADCI is a partnership between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology & Natural Resources, the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), the RSPB, Fauna & Flora, and the Frankfurt Zoological Society. Spanning 75 million hectares, the project has increased Saiga Antelope populations from fewer than 40,000 to over 2.8 million, one of the most dramatic mammal recoveries in history.
The initiative also supports other species like the Steppe Eagle, Sociable Lapwing, and Kulan, and recently reintroduced the Przewalski’s Horse after a 200-year absence. Beyond wildlife, ADCI creates rural jobs and fosters community conservation efforts.
Winning the £1 million Earthshot Prize, launched by Prince William, enables ADCI to strengthen climate resilience, expand anti-poaching measures, and connect restored landscapes for wildlife and local communities.
ADCI’s success inspires global efforts, collaborating with projects in the Mongolian steppe, American prairie, and Patagonian pampas to protect temperate grasslands. As ACBK Executive Director Vera Voronova said, “This honor reflects the power of partnerships in conservation.”
For more, visit the RSPB website or watch the Earthshot Prize feature video here.