Press tour to Chatkal state biosphere reserve

A press tour was organized to the visit center of the Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change. The event coincided with the International Reserves and National Parks Day.

The "Chatkal" State Biosphere Reserve was established in 1947 to study, preserve, and breed plants, animals, and birds in the Chatkal mountain range. Its current area is 24,706 hectares.

The reserve's visit center began operating in 2021, offering essential information about the unique flora and fauna. One hall features materials about the rare and little-studied snow leopard species. In the corridor leading to the next hall, a glass drawing showcases the reserve boundaries and paw prints of various local animals, accompanied by a virtual flyer with a QR code for additional information.

The meeting hall contains a stand with details on UNESCO's global network of biosphere reserves, information specific to the Chatkal State Biosphere Reserve, and a display highlighting its international status as a nature protection area.

During the press tour's conclusion, participants viewed some animals listed in the Red book. For context, protected natural areas under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change cover over 6 million hectares, representing 14.08% of the country's territory. This network includes 7 state reserves, 1 national park, 12 natural parks, 11 state natural monuments, 12 nature reserves, 2 biosphere reserves, and 1 specialized nursery named "Jayron" ecocenter. Notably, 102 vertebrate species and 280 plant species listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan are found within these protected areas.