KazanSummit2021 to discuss the prospects for the implementation of environmental projects for the conservation of snow leopards
On July 28, 2021, the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center will host a round table on the topic "Prospects for implementing joint environmental projects for the conservation of snow leopards", dedicated to determining the formats of interaction within the framework of projects for the conservation of rare animal species in the transboundary territories of Russia and neighboring countries. The event will be held within the framework of the XII International Economic Summit "Russia – the Islamic World: KazanSummit 2021". The section will be attended by Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan Alexander Shadrikov, Scientific Director of Environmental and Environmental Projects of the Severtsov Institute Vyacheslav Rozhnov, representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia and major national parks and reserves of Russia.
It should be noted that the issue of the need to preserve and restore biodiversity is relevant not only in Russia, but also throughout the world. The number of some animal species on the planet has decreased so much that they are threatened with complete extinction. One of such rare and endangered species of the cat family in Russia is the snow leopard. Studies conducted in recent years indicate a decrease in their number throughout their range, as well as a strong depletion of individual groups. According to experts, the number of snow leopards in Russia currently amounts to 70-90 individuals, only 1-2% of the world population.
In Tatarstan, special attention is paid to the conservation of certain rare and endangered animal species. We recall that in order to preserve the snow leopard population in the republic, the issue of building a Center for the study of Rare Cat Species in Tatarstan is being discussed since 2019. To date, the technical specification for the design and construction of the facility has been developed and approved, legal registration of land plots is currently being carried out. The implementation of the event is provided for by the federal project "Conservation of biological diversity and development of ecological tourism" of the "Ecology" national project. The main goal of the measures taken is to restore and increase the number of snow leopards in their natural habitat.
The preservation of key groups of snow leopards can be ensured only by a set of measures aimed at preserving both the species itself and its habitat, experts say.