Turkmenistan Advances Transnational UNESCO Nomination for Koytendag and Surhanderya Reserves

Ashgabat, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Environment Protection of Turkmenistan held an online meeting on January 30, 2025, with representatives from international environmental organizations, including Germany’s Michael Succow Foundation (MSF) and the US-based Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC). The primary agenda was the nomination of the Koytendag and Surhanderya nature reserves as a transnational UNESCO World Heritage site.
Turkmenistan initially launched efforts to include the Koytendag Nature Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2015 by submitting the “Koytendag Mountain Ecosystem” dossier. However, following a technical review by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), experts advised pursuing a transnational nomination with the Surhanderya Reserve to ensure the ecological integrity of the Kugitang Mountains. Recommendations were provided for further steps and the resubmission of the nomination.
Established in 1986, the Koytendag Nature Reserve spans 27,100 hectares in the Koyten Mountain range in eastern Lebap Velayat. It hosts a diverse array of rare wildlife, including the Burmese ibex, lynx, brown bear, Persian leopard, striped hyena, and 155 bird species.
The reserve comprises three key protected zones:
- Garlyk: Known for its unique karst lakes and caves.
- Hojaburjybelent: Recognized for its extensive pistachio forests on Koyten Mountain.
- Hojapil: A site of significant paleontological importance, featuring well-preserved dinosaur footprints.
With the support of international conservation bodies, Turkmenistan aims to advance the transnational UNESCO nomination process, further strengthening the protection of its unique natural heritage.