As we mark Giving Tuesday, we reflect on the incredible progress made through the Resurrection Island project over the past five years. From discovering new populations of Saiga antelope to creating eco-tourism initiatives that support local communities, this project has been a powerful example of how conservation and sustainable development can go hand in hand.
But as we move into the next phase, we need your continued partnership to ensure that the successes of the first five years are built upon, and that we can, together, secure a long-term future for the Saiga and the ecosystems they depend on.
The Impact of the First Five Years
Over the past five years, the Resurrection Island project has achieved remarkable milestones. The discovery of an unknown population of Saiga antelope was a significant breakthrough, as it shows that these iconic creatures are more resilient than previously thought. Alongside this, we’ve worked tirelessly to build an eco-tourism foundation in the region, helping to create sustainable livelihoods for local communities and mitigating the loss of their water dependant trades due destructive practices of the cotton industry.
Training local wildlife monitors and rangers in the SMART system (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) has been essential in improving anti-poaching efforts, monitoring wildlife movements, and gathering vital data for conservation decisions. We’ve also engaged with local industries to help them understand the importance of their environmental impact and work together for sustainable solutions.
However, we know that conservation is not a one-time effort. There is still much work to be done to ensure the long-term protection of the Saiga and their habitats.
Looking to the Future: Phase Two of the Resurrection Island Project
The next phase of the Resurrection Island project will focus on furthering the work done in the first five years, with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and ecosystem restoration.
One of the key goals is to establish a research and ranger station to provide a base for ongoing conservation efforts in the region. This station will serve as a hub for vital fieldwork and monitoring, allowing us to gather even more data on Saiga behaviour, migration patterns, and the health of the ecosystem.
In addition to this, we will begin planting vegetation and developing solar wells to combat desertification – a growing threat in the region. These efforts will not only help restore the land but also support the Saiga’s migration routes and the communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Perhaps most exciting of all, we are working towards developing transboundary cooperation with Kazakhstan to establish working relationships to strengthen protected areas in both nations. This cooperation will be critical for restoring the natural migratory cycle of the Ural Saiga population, which once ranged across vast areas of Central Asia. By working together across borders, we can create a truly sustainable framework for Saiga conservation.
How You Can Help
As we embark on this next phase, we need your support. The progress we’ve made so far would not have been possible without the dedication of our donors, partners, and supporters. But there is still much to do, and the challenges ahead require continued investment in both the people and the resources that make these efforts possible.
This Giving Tuesday, we’re asking you to join us in building on the success of the Resurrection Island project. Your donation will directly support the next phase, from establishing the research station to developing vital infrastructure that will support both conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Together, we can ensure the Saiga’s future and help restore one of the world’s most remarkable species to its rightful place in the wild.
Please donate today and support the future of the Resurrection Island project.