Kathmandu Resolution on Collaboration for Snow Leopard Conservation
Preamble
Recognising the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) as an umbrella species of high mountain and alpine of Asia, and acknowledging its critical role in maintaining ecosystem services, cultural diversity, and global biodiversity, climate change mitigation and local sustainable economies;
Concerned with the threats of habitat fragmentation, climate change, illegal hunting, human-wildlife conflict, and infrastructure development that endanger its survival;
Affirming the importance of transboundary collaboration for the effective conservation of snow leopards as a large proportion of snow leopard habitats transcends international borders;
We, the participants of the 2025 International Snow Leopard Conservation Workshop held in Kathmandu, Nepal (25th-27th April, 2025), representing conservationists from snow leopard range countries, hereby support working together to create sustainable, connected, and resilient habitats and to securing a viable future for snow leopards coexisting with and enhancing the livelihood options of indigenous people and local communities (IPLC).
Commitments and Joint Actions
We agree to initiate and strengthen collaboration through the following joint actions:
1. Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration and Habitat Connectivity
- Promote regional conservation collaboration to coordinate habitat protection and management.
- Encourage transboundary dialogue among governments of range countries and seek sustainable funding for snow leopard conservation.
- Develop policy recommendations for ‘wildlife-friendly’ border management practices and promote the establishment of transboundary peace parks.
2. Scaling Up Community-Based Conservation
- Promote formal government recognition of community-based conservation areas through policy reforms and supportive legal frameworks, and integrate IPLC.
- Expand and support community-led conservation initiatives that foster local partnership in anti-poaching efforts, human-wildlife conflict reduction, participatory wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration.
- Align conservation initiatives with local needs through Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) and other potential mechanisms.
3. Addressing Climate Change Impacts for the Wellbeing of Snow Leopard Ecosystem and IPLC
- Conduct regional assessments of climate vulnerability to identify and protect climate-resilient habitats for snow leopards and sympatric species, and maintain connectivity with these refuges and current source populations.
- Incorporate climate adaptation measures into both national and transboundary conservation strategies.
- Integrate climate change into community development strategies to mitigate its impacts on local well-being, thereby fostering coexistence between people and snow leopards.
4. Reducing Human-Snow Leopard Conflict and Fostering Coexistence
- Systematically document, share, and promote effective conflict mitigation strategies based on proven practices and innovations.
- Promote a holistic approach to coexistence by fostering collective learning among communities, conservationists, and policymakers, integrating ecological, cultural, and social knowledge to support long-term harmony between people, snow leopards and their ecosystems.
5. Managing Emerging Threats such as Feral Dogs and Disease
- Explore humane strategies for managing feral dogs in snow leopard habitats.
- Strengthen disease surveillance systems to prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks that threaten both wildlife and livestock.
6. Advancing and Sharing Technology for Conservation
- Promote the adoption of emerging and novel technologies to improve the conservation and management of snow leopards and their ecosystems.
- Encourage data sharing and open-access meta-data platforms across range countries.
Conclusion
We believe that through knowledge sharing, collective action, and sustained commitment, we can
create a secure future for snow leopards and make a lasting contribution to global biodiversity conservation and human wellbeing. Let us stand together to ensure that these iconic predators continue to roam freely across the high mountains of Asia in their intact ecosystems for generations to come.
All Participants
27 April 2025
