Bishkek, Oct. 23, 2025. /Kabar/ – The forum “Business, Ecology and Sports – Ak-Ilbirs 2025” has opened in Bishkek, marking the International Snow Leopard Day, celebrated annually on October 23 following a resolution of the UN General Assembly.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, the initiative to establish this international day was originally proposed by Kyrgyzstan.
The forum features panel discussions on several key areas:
- National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation of Biodiversity in the Kyrgyz Republic as a foundation for partnerships and sustainable development;
- The role of business in environmental protection, with a focus on green finance, sustainable investment, and the contribution of banks and the private sector to biodiversity conservation;
- Sports and ecology, including the presentation “Sports as a Tool to Promote Ecotourism”, highlighting upcoming sports events under the Snow Leopard brand — tournaments, marathons, and festivals.
Particular attention is being given to developing joint ideas for branding Kyrgyzstan as the “Land of the Snow Leopard,” promoting environmentally responsible tourism, and strengthening the country’s sustainable international image.
Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic for the Implementation of the Five-Year Plan for Mountain Region Development, Ambassador Dinara Kemelova, congratulated everyone on the International Snow Leopard Day — a symbol of strength, freedom, and the beauty of mountain nature.
“This day is celebrated for the first time after being proclaimed by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Kyrgyzstan and its partners. It recognizes the global importance of the snow leopard and the mountain ecosystems on which millions of lives depend,” she said.
“It is gratifying that the initiative belongs to President Sadyr Zhaparov. For Kyrgyzstan, the snow leopard is not just a rare species — it is our national symbol, enshrined by presidential decree in 2023, part of our cultural identity, and a reminder of the deep connection between people and nature,” she added.
Ambassador Kemelova also highlighted the active efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision in cooperation with UNDP, UNEP, GEF, GSLEP, NABU, the World Bank, and other partners in preserving biodiversity and adapting mountain ecosystems to climate change.
Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev emphasized that the success of environmental initiatives is only possible through joint efforts.
“Only together — the state, business, international partners, and civil society — can we preserve the snow leopard, this majestic symbol of the high mountains, and protect the ecosystems upon which the future of our children depends,” the minister said.