English (UK)
In January of this year, a herd of saiga antelopes was spotted grazing on the grounds of the 10 MW "Kengir" solar power plant, located near Zhezkazgan. This moment highlights the ecological value of the project and its alignment with the principles of sustainable development.
Saiga Antelopes: A Story of Recovery
In the early 2000s, saiga antelopes were on the brink of extinction and were listed in Kazakhstan’s Red Book of endangered species. Thanks to the Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative—a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize established by Prince William—their population has surged to 2.86 million by 2023. This remarkable recovery is one of the greatest success stories in wildlife conservation. The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative operates in partnership with the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) and the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife.
Harmony Between Green Energy and Nature
The "Kengir" solar power plant is not only a source of clean energy but also a prime example of how green technologies can coexist in harmony with nature. The presence of saiga antelopes on the plant’s grounds demonstrates that environmentally responsible projects support biodiversity and contribute to the preservation of the region’s unique wildlife.