CAMI framework prioritises transboundary conservation to tackle poaching, habitat loss, and climate threats across the region


Representatives from Central Asian countries have endorsed a six-year work programme under the Central Asian Mammals Initiative (CAMI) to protect 17 iconic mammal species, including the snow leopard, saiga antelope, Bukhara deer, and Persian leopard.

CAMI, launched in 2014 at the 11th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP11), provides a common framework to address threats to migratory species across borders. The initiative currently covers the argali sheep, Asiatic cheetah, Asiatic wild ass, gobi bear, goitered gazelle, kiang, Mongolian gazelle, Pallas’s cat, Przewalski’s horse, urial, wild camel, and wild yak.

The three-day meeting, hosted by Uzbekistan as part of its CMS COP14 presidency, reaffirmed regional commitment to conservation and highlighted successes in protecting the saiga antelope, Bukhara deer, and Persian leopard. Delegates from 12 countries participated, while Iran and Russia endorsed the programme online.

Fifteen conservation organisations, including NGOs, government institutes, and IUCN, presented plans to support implementation over the next six years.

The work programme addresses challenges including habitat fragmentation, climate change, migration barriers, poaching, and limited cross-border coordination. It emphasises transboundary cooperation to ensure long-term sustainability of the region’s migratory species.

The 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CMS (CMS COP15), scheduled in Brazil from 23–29 March 2026, will update the CAMI resolution and track progress across the participating countries.