Fauna & Flora International (FFI) has been working with our partners to conserve Tajikistan’s remarkable landscapes and biodiversity since 2006, and over the years has carried out a broad spectrum of important activities ranging from building the capacity of protected area staff to advising on a snow leopard action plan to help conserve the country’s enigmatic big cats.
Our work today is focused on protecting the important remnants of fruit-and-nut forest found in Tajikistan, a globally important forest type that is characterised by ancient walnut stands as well as wild apple, pear, cherry, pistachio and almond. Many of these species are the ancestors of today’s domesticated varieties, and are an important storehouse of genetic diversity. These forests are bountiful in their harvest and so many local communities rely heavily upon them.
Through the Global Trees Campaign, and in conjunction with our partners, we are ensuring that communities can continue to use the forest’s resources sustainably and increase their income without depleting vital biodiversity. To achieve this, we are working to improve management systems and sustainable market development as well as supporting the government’s Forestry Service and national experts to complete surveys, training and reforestation activities to conserve threatened and endemic species such as the Tajik pear.