"In the footsteps of the snow leopard" will be held at KazanForum

On May 18, KazanForum will discuss the topic "In the footsteps of the snow leopard: the disappearance and restoration of rare animal species" as part of the track "Sustainable Development".

The disappearance of rare animals is a big environmental problem. Currently, from 10 to 17% of the objects of the animal world are under threat of extinction. Restoration of rare animal species is one of the important directions of the national project "Ecology". Its focus is on unique animals that are on the verge of extinction due to anthropogenic influence and global environmental changes. 

The session will be moderated by Irina Makanova, Director of the Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation. Representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, the regions of Russia - the Republic of Tatarstan, the Republic of Altai, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, as well as the Russian Academy of Sciences, the State Nature Reserve "Sayano-Shushensky" will discuss the concept of conservation of rare animal species in Russia, interregional cooperation for the most effective use of tools for the conservation of rare animal species, will discuss measures for the restoration and reintroduction of the snow leopard and golden eagle, which were implemented.

Tatarstan, whose coat of arms depicts a white leopard, has been studying the problems of conservation and breeding of snow leopards for several years. In particular, the Ministry of Ecology of Tatarstan is implementing a project to create a Center for the study of rare species of cats. The implementation of the event is provided for by the federal project "Conservation of biological diversity and development of ecological tourism" of the national project "Ecology". 

After studying the natural landscape and an agreement between the heads of the two regions of Russia, it was decided to create two sites for the conservation of snow leopards – one in Altai, the second in Tatarstan. According to the project, the Ak Bars Center in Tatarstan will focus on studying the physical and genetic abilities of animals. Scientists of Kazan Federal University maintain their cryobank, which will be used to preserve biomaterials of rare species of cats. A Snow Leopard Center will be created in Altai, where large cats and other animal species that previously lived in these places, as well as red book plants, will be bred in natural conditions in mountainous areas. Specialists of these two centers will conduct joint developments. 

"Even, probably, the best artist cannot come up with what the God Almighty has created here. This is an exceptional nature, microclimate. It so happened that the snow leopard is not just our symbol that appeared on the coat of arms. It is connected with the history of Altai, and it is our duty to preserve this snow leopard," Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov stressed after getting acquainted with the natural landscape of Altai. 

Other topics discussed in the track "Sustainable Development" will be "Climate sustainability: Dialogue between Russia and the OIC countries", "Closed-loop Economy. Waste – into income!", "Sustainable transformation of companies and communities in the context of global challenges of the 21st century", "Sustainable investments and Halal: on the way to fair finance".