News

Call for input for Snow Leopard Day

24.08.2016

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government of Kyrgyzstan and the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection (GSLEP) Secretariat are planning a high-level panel event and the launch of a publication for International Snow Leopard Day 2016 in close collaboration with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and GSLEP partners. UNDP welcomes inputs and engagement in these activities. They are also welcoming updates on other activities and social media campaigns being planned for International Snow Leopard Day.

International Snow Leopard Day Commemoration and Panel Discussion

On Friday, 21 October 2016, the Government of Kyrgyzstan, UNDP and GSLEP partners will organize a high-level commemorative event and panel discussion at the United Nations (UN) Secretariat in New York.

The event is designed to:
• celebrate International Snow Leopard Day;
• re-enforce collaboration and synergies needed to conserve snow leopards and strengthen the livelihoods of communities whose well-being depends on high mountain ecosystems;
• highlight innovative programming, partnerships and progress on the ground;
• strengthen political support and commitment for ongoing and new GSLEP initiatives.

During the high level Ministerial Meeting of tiger range countries in New Delhi in April 2016, the Kyrgyz Republic announced it will host a Global Presidential Summit in the summer of 2017. The summit will review the GSLEP progress at the mid-point of its implementation and bolster high-level political will to sustain its results. The 21 October Snow Leopard Day event can garner support of governments, organizations and international financial institutions towards successful hosting of the Summit in 2017.

The high-level panel and discussion will include senior speakers, including: Director of the State Agency on Environment Protection and Forestry of the Kyrgyz Republic, UN Missions from snow leopard range countries, donor agencies, GEF, UNDP, sister agencies, Snow Leopard Trust and GSLEP Partners.

The event will also draw on and feed into a global Snow Leopard Day social media campaign, while serving to launch a publication on GSLEP, UNDP and GEF on the Snow Leopard Landscape.

Snow Leopard Publication

The Snow Leopard publication UNDP is preparing, “UNDP and GEF in the Snow Leopard Landscape”, will highlight UNDP-GEF collaboration with GoK and the GSLEP Secretariat and partners, as well as other work in snow leopard range countries.
UNDP welcomes suggestions and inputs to the publication in the following areas:
• innovative approaches and results on the ground from all partners with respect to: habitat conservation, community engagement, alternative livelihoods, ecotourism, livestock protection, rangers skills, equipment and data, reducing human/snow leopard conflict, poaching and IWT, cross-sectoral coordination, transboundary collaboration, advocacy and changing peoples’ attitudes for conservation and climate change links;
• photos, maps and other image sources;
• cultural links including references in literature and mythology/religion, film, heraldry, national emblems, currency and artwork;
• quotes from experts and local communities, officials, etc.

Each page will include several images and graphics, which means only about 500 words per page. For this reason, it may not be possible to integrate all inputs shared, or in great detail. The deadline to provide suggestions and inputs is 26 August 2016.

Social Media Campaign

In the days leading up to 23 October, we will also contribute to social media campaigns being organized by all partners using quotes, photos, press releases, etc.

Ideas and suggestions on social media are very much welcomed, including any campaigns already in place. All inputs may be sent to Tim Scott at [email protected]

Photo: Jake Norton, MP Ambassador