On May 20, the youth environmental festival “The Saiga That Unites Us” was held in the city park of Nukus. The event concluded a series of activities dedicated to “SAIGA DAY” and was timed to coincide with the International Day for Biological Diversity.
This year marks the anniversary of “SAIGA DAY.” Twenty years ago, it began to be celebrated in schools on the Ustyurt Plateau at the initiative of a group of enthusiastic scientists from the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences, the NGO “Ekomaktab,” and with the support of the international organization “Saiga Conservation Alliance.” Since then, “SAIGA DAY” has become a popular celebration not only in Karakalpakstan, but also in neighboring countries where saigas live — Kazakhstan, Kalmykia, and Mongolia.
The “SAIGA DAY” program includes open environmental lessons in schools, environmental campaigns, sports competitions for the “Saiga Cup” — marathons, cycling races, football, volleyball, and basketball matches, as well as exciting eco-quests and adventure activities. Each town and village has its own priorities in sports events.
For many years, the schools of Muynak and Nukus, as well as the settlements of Jaslyk, Karakalpakstan, and Kyrk-Kyz, have been among the most active participants. Children’s and youth environmental clubs called “Friends of the Saiga” operate there. Teachers serve as environmental leaders, inspiring children, young people, and local residents to participate in environmental campaigns, improve their neighborhoods, protect local flora and fauna, and promote environmental culture through practical action.
The organization of the youth environmental festival “The Saiga That Unites Us” became possible thanks to the support of the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, employees of protected natural areas of Karakalpakstan, the Saiga Conservation Alliance, volunteers from the NGO “Ekomaktab,” and experts from the Institute of Zoology of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan. Such events foster love for native nature and a caring attitude toward flora and fauna.
It is important to emphasize that “SAIGA DAY” and all related activities are held within the framework of commitments under the Convention on Migratory Species and the Memorandum of Understanding concerning saiga conservation. They are also carried out in accordance with the Resolution of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 171 dated May 31, 2023, on the regular organization of the environmental event “Saiga Day.” These activities aim to implement educational and conservation initiatives for children, youth, and residents living near saiga habitats. The saiga is a globally threatened species listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).