Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative won the 2024
Earthshot Prize in the «Protect and Restore Nature» category. This prestigious
environmental award, launched by Prince William, recognizes innovations aimed
at preserving the planet. The country was recognized for its outstanding
achievements in increasing the saiga antelope population and expanding
protected natural areas. Currently, the population of this species has reached
nearly three million individuals. Kazakhstan is also working to restore
populations of kulans, Przewalski’s horses, steppe eagles, and other rare and
endangered species. The project has attracted a total of around $9.5 million in
investments.
«This is a significant achievement for our country. I would
like to take this opportunity to congratulate all our partners and Kazakhstan
on this momentous event. I am confident that many more victories await us. This
award is not only global recognition of Kazakhstan’s contributions to restoring
the planet’s biodiversity, but it also reaffirms our country’s role as an
active and effective participant in addressing global environmental challenges.
Ambitious tasks lie ahead. The Altyn Dala Initiative is focused on preserving
and studying Kazakhstan’s unique steppe ecosystems and restoring key wildlife
species,» said Askar Abdrakhmanov, spokesperson for the Forestry and Wildlife
Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.
It is worth noting that this is not the first award for
Kazakhstan’s environmental initiative. In 2022, the project was also recognized
by the United Nations as a «World Restoration Flagship.»
