Reunited for the snow leopard! (L-R) Kuluipa Akmatova of Rural Development Fund, SLC co-founders Darla Hillard and Dr. Rodney Jackson, and Zhaparkul Raimbekov, Indigenous Cultural Practitioner. After six years apart, Land of Snow Leopard Network members reunite in Kyrgyzstan – Photo: SLC

With much enthusiasm and anticipation, the multinational Land of Snow Leopard (LOSL) Network gathered in Kyrgyzstan in late September. This was its first gathering since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic and other global conflicts. Through the years of separation, this unique network has remained steadfast in its mission of placing Indigenous Cultural Practitioners (ICPs) forefront in the spiritual/cultural revitalization, leading to snow leopard conservation, ecosystem protection, and revived traditional beliefs. Uniting together, members shared energy and purpose to determine the Network’s direction and program planning for the next few years.

Dr. Rodney Jackson demonstrates the use of camera traps to herders attending the Land of Snow Leopard gathering – Photo: SLC

Network Goals

Spiritual/Relational and Cultural Protocol for Wildlife Monitoring

One of the Network’s two major goals was to create a first-ever “Spiritual/Relational and Cultural Protocol for Wildlife Monitoring” that will guide the use of camera traps in snow leopard and biodiversity monitoring. Western science has a long tradition of using motion-activated trail cameras to document animal presence. However, Western science has never taken into account principles beyond strict empirical science.

LOSL members are creating a sacred document that will incorporate the natural and spiritual world into camera trapping. They will then work with researchers and citizen scientists to adopt the protocol into their projects. Guided by the cultural and spiritual traditions of the local community, the document balances need with responsibility and doing no harm to the environment, reciprocating the care that nature has given to us. The Protocol will achieve this by seeking permission from the land and spirits with the idea that camera placement is entwined amid the belief system of the local people. It will ensure that researchers are respecting traditional and local beliefs.

Land of Snow Leopard Network Elders and Indigenous Cultural Practitioners receiving their 2020 Disney Conservation Hero awards. The inability to meet since 2019 delayed distributing the medals. Credit – Photo: SLC

Evaluation and Realignment of Leadership Structure

The second major goal for the gathering was to evaluate and realign the leadership structure for the network. LOSL has been in existence for 12 years and has grown beyond the original established framework. From grassroots activism in their local communities, LOSL members are now invited guests at the United Nations, the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the Parliament of World Religions, and numerous prestigious universities. They have been staunch advocates for securing protected status for sacred sites, adoption of government amendments protecting Traditional Knowledge, and securing stricter anti-poaching penalties country-wide, among others. Recognizing this growth, the members evaluated the current status and have drafted a new composition that can help guide and enhance the network into the future.

At the gathering, Umut Zholdoshova and her son Aklybek, who previously participated in LOSL ecocamps, shared his passion for wildlife and snow leopards with the LOSL Network—proof that early conservation experiences create lifelong advocates for these magnificent cats. Photo: SLC

Land of Snow Leopard Network works with entire communities, from the youngest children and their extended families to local herders and elders to organizations and governmental entities, always with the knowledge that snow leopards are sacred as are their mountain habitats. Snow leopards are divine healers and uniters, protectors of other animals, and indicators of the ecosystem. As one participant said, “We need to take care of Mother Earth as nature has taken care of us.”

Land of Snow Leopard Network gathers in Chon Kemin National Park to develop the “Spiritual/Relational and Cultural Protocol for Wildlife Monitoring” – Photo: Benjamin Hunter

Gallery of Photos

Members from Land of Snow Leopard gather in Kyrgyzstan to chart the network’s future course. Their mission remains dedicated to cultural revitalization and snow leopard conservation – Photos: Benjamin Hunter & SLC