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Conservation and sustainable management of critically endangered plant biodiversity in Shamsiddin Shohin District of Kulob, Khatlon region of Tajikistan

The Shamsiddin Shohin District in the Kulob region of Tajikistan is home to a rich array of plant biodiversity, including many wild relatives of fruit trees that are essential for local ecosystems and rural livelihoods. Tajikistan boasts around 9,700 plant species, with 650 species endemic to the region and 1,000 species being wild relatives of cultivated trees. Among these, 226 species are listed as threatened and endangered in the Red Data Book of Tajikistan. These wild species, which are more resistant to pests, drought, climatic variations, and diseases, are under threat from climate change and increasing anthropogenic pressures.

Project Goal

The project aims to conserve and sustainably manage the endangered fruit tree biodiversity in Shamsiddin Shohin District. By protecting these species, the project seeks to integrate their valuable genetic traits into domesticated plants, thus enhancing drought and disease resistance in cultivated crops. This initiative will ultimately contribute to local food security and poverty reduction.

The specific area of the project is the Dashti Jum subdistrict of Shamsiddin Shohin district of Kulob, Khatlon region.

Objectives

  1. Ex-situ Conservation: Preserve and promote economically important and endangered fruit tree species outside their natural habitats.
  2. In-situ Conservation: Conserve ecosystems by maintaining and restoring viable species, populations, and communities within their natural habitats, as outlined in Tajikistan’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
  3. Poverty Reduction: Enhance local livelihoods through the sustainable management of endangered plant species and the development of income-generating activities.

Implementation

The project is implemented by UCA's Mountain Societies Research Institute and partner institutions, such as Kulab Botanical Garden, the Academy of Sciences Tajikistan, the Committee for Environmental Protection and Forest Agency Kulob. Funding is provided by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).