From Kazanka to Altai: unique biodiversity conservation projects are being implemented in Tatarstan
The work on the conservation of rare animal species and the restoration of ecosystems in Tatarstan has reached a qualitatively new level, combining the efforts of government, science, business and the public.
The results of two landmark projects were presented at the final board of the Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Tatarstan.
1. The return of the Saker Falcon. For the third year, the republic has been successfully implementing a program for the reintroduction of the red book Saker falcon with the support of SIBUR Kazanorgsintez. During this time, 24 falcons have been released into their natural habitat. In 2026, the release of chicks is planned to be carried out on the territory of the Saralinsky section of the Volzhsko-Kama Reserve. The project is one of the few examples of successful restoration of the bird of prey population in Russia.
2. International snow leopard rescue mission. In March 2025, Kazan became the venue for an international conference with the participation of experts from 12 countries, where the "Kazan Resolution" on cooperation was adopted. The Snow Leopard Center has been established in the Altai Republic with the strategic support of PJSC Tatneft. Three individuals from Kyrgyzstan have already been imported to it, and negotiations are underway to obtain two leopards from Mongolia under a special certificate. A consortium from the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, KFU, the Irbis Association, Tatneft and the Ministry of Ecology has been established to manage the program.
In parallel, work is underway in the republic to clear the Kazanka riverbed as part of the Free Current project (76 rubble has been removed) and a pilot project to reconstruct forests in its water protection zone. 8,000 trees have already been planted in 2025, and work will continue in 2026.
"These projects show that ecology is not just about waste and emissions. It's about preserving life in all its diversity, from small rivers and springs to the rarest snow leopard," the press service of the Ministry of Ecology noted.