In Central Asia and across much of Eastern Europe, the Old New Year on 14 January offers a second moment to pause, reflect, and begin again. It is a quieter celebration, rooted in gratitude rather than spectacle. For the Saiga Conservation Alliance, it feels like the right moment to say thank you.
The past year has shown what is possible when long-term commitment meets partnership and trust. Throughout 2025, with the support of donors, trustees, steering committee members, and partners, SCA delivered practical conservation action across the saiga’s range and beyond.
We celebrated Saiga Day with thousands of students, teachers, rangers, and families across Karakalpakstan, strengthening environmental education and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. We published Saiga News, now reaching its 31st edition, maintaining a vital platform for science, policy, ranger voices, and discussions around saiga conservation and consumption, even under challenging funding conditions.
On the ground, we supported rangers who protect saiga every day. In Uzbekistan, this included winter uniforms and durable boots for 35 rangers, and the delivery of an all-wheel-drive cargo ATV to extend patrol reach in Saigachiy Reserve. We also installed Uzbekistan’s first solar-powered watering hole for saiga, reviving an abandoned well to provide reliable water in one of the region’s driest landscapes.
These achievements reflect years of shared effort. They were made possible by donors who believed in long-term conservation, trustees and steering committee members who offered guidance and governance, and partners who worked alongside us in often difficult conditions.
As we look ahead, the future demands both ambition and care. Saiga numbers have recovered dramatically, now exceeding three million globally, but the challenges remain complex. Climate change, disease, infrastructure development, and human–wildlife conflict continue to shape the steppe. In response, SCA is preparing for its next chapter, building on success while expanding cooperation, strengthening local NGOs, and aligning our work with global frameworks such as 30×30 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
On this Old New Year, we simply want to say thank you. Your support has helped turn crisis into recovery, and hope into action. Together, we are ready to carry this momentum forward into 2026 and beyond.
Some Key Highlights from 2025
- Saiga News published its 31st edition, despite funding challenges
- Saiga Day reached thousands across Karakalpakstan through schools and protected areas
- 35 rangers in Aralkum National Park equipped with winter uniforms and boots
- All-wheel-drive cargo ATV delivered to Saigachiy Reserve
- First solar-powered watering hole for saiga in Uzbekistan installed
- Continued donor, trustee, steering committee, and partner support across all programmes