Just returned from the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Range States Meeting in #Tashkent, #Uzbekistan, in June 2025 where over ten countries coproduced an
action plan for #migratory species conservation.
CMS’s focus on transboundary conservation is vital here, as many protected areas connect better across borders than within countries, and species often range along international frontiers.
Two key takeaways:
1. Many scientific papers remain unknown or underutilized in these forums, despite their potential to inform discussions. One of my papers on #transboundary conservation was mentioned, that paper had gained visibility through an animated video on #social media, showing visual tools can effectively communicate science to
policymakers.
2. Despite the many challenges conservationists face in Central Asia, limited resources, political complexity, and fragile partnerships, I was impressed by the growing expertise and #leadership shown by local #NGOs and practitioners. The progress made in the last decade is remarkable, and in many ways, enviable.
I also enjoyed a day visiting #Samarkand,a must-see for anyone passionate about #culture, #history, and architecture.
Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent
IUCN WCPA Transboundary Conservation Specialist Group
Persian Leopard Working Group (PeLeWG)
Frankfurt Zoological Society / Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt
Wildlife Conservation Society
