Sustainable Conservation Approaches in Priority Ecosystems (SCAPES) Ustyurt Landscape Conservation Initiative (ULCI)

Key Points in Document:

• Final report for the Ustyurt Landscape Conservation Initiative (UCLI), a USAID-funded activity under the SCAPES program, implemented from 2009 to 2014.
• Objectives for the UCLI were to: (1) improve the ecological and social scientific understanding of the Ustyurt landscape, (2) reinforce the capacity of state agencies involved in the conservation of the Ustyurt landscape, (3) engage with and support local communities to participate positively in conservation while improving the quality of their lives, and (4) engage with the private sector to mitigate their impact on the Ustyurt landscape.
• The report contains a summary of the major impacts of the project, principal strategies, challenges, and recommendations for future action.
• UCLI had an emphasis on improving wildlife law enforcement capacity. Activities included supporting rangers’ field and reporting skills, understanding wildlife product trade routes, identifying illegal wildlife products, understanding laws governing wildlife trade, and promoting interagency collaboration and actions.
• A wildlife detection dog training program was implemented to strengthen border controls. The project worked with a regional dog training center to train dogs and handlers in the detection of Saiga horn. The dog training program was considered a success, uncovering two Saiga horn finds in two months, and was featured in the International Saiga Ranger Summit and regional CITES meeting.

 

Citation: Pact Inc. Sustainable Conservation Approaches in Priority Ecosystems (SCAPES) Ustyurt Landscape Conservation Initiative (ULCI) - Final Report. Washington, DC; 2014.