Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative Named Earthshot Prize Finalist
Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative Named Finalist in 2024 Earthshot Prize
Kazakhstan’s conservation efforts have reached new heights as the country’s Altyn Dala conservation initiative has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William. The announcement was made during the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit held during Climate Week in New York on Sept. 24.
This marks the first time a Kazakh-led environmental project has made it to the finals of the Earthshot Prize, highlighting Kazakhstan’s growing role in global environmental advocacy. The Altyn Dala initiative is one of 15 finalists for the prize and one of three in the Protect and Restore Nature category, selected from over 2,400 nominees.
The initiative, initially established in 2005 to protect saiga antelopes, has expanded its scope to cover 75 million hectares of steppe ecosystems. It focuses on creating and expanding protected areas, restoring threatened species populations, combating illegal wildlife trade, and providing training and education.
One of Altyn Dala’s major accomplishments has been the recovery of the critically endangered saiga antelope population. Once on the brink with less than 40,000 remaining in 2005, the population has now increased to 2.8 million in 2024, thanks to dedicated efforts including research, anti-poaching operations, protected areas creation, and public awareness campaigns.
Despite these successes, challenges remain in expanding protected areas, restoring more species, and ensuring the continued benefits for rural communities. Altyn Dala works closely with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of the steppe ecosystem and engage children and schools in learning about wildlife and conservation.
The winners of the Earthshot Prize will be announced during Earthshot Week in Cape Town on Nov. 6, with finalists receiving a £1 million prize (US$1.3 million). Regardless of the outcome, Kazakhstan’s presence in the finals is a testament to the nation’s conservation efforts and the potential for positive environmental change through innovation and collaboration.
