Kazakhstan’s snow leopard population has made a remarkable recovery, with current estimates ranging from 152 to 189 individuals. These numbers echo those last seen in the 1980s, marking a milestone in global conservation efforts. However, human activities continue to pose significant challenges to the survival of this elusive species.

Known locally as the irbis, the snow leopard is classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. It is also listed in the national Red Books of all 12 countries within its range. In Kazakhstan, snow leopards inhabit rugged mountainous regions, including the Altai, Tien Shan, Zhetysu Alatau, and other large mountain systems.

Since 2018, Kazakhstan has implemented a snow leopard conservation initiative under the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). This effort has led to a population increase of over 26% since 2019. Alexei Grachev, executive director of the Snow Leopard Foundation and head of the Snow Leopard Monitoring Center, emphasized that protected areas have played a pivotal role in stabilizing and boosting the population.

Key habitats include Ile-Alatau National Park, Altyn-Emel National Park, and the Katon-Karagai Reserve. The Zhetysu region, in particular, has the highest population density due to favorable factors such as plentiful prey, effective protection measures, and minimal human interference. In contrast, the Katon-Karagai Reserve’s snow leopard population remains small but is showing signs of recovery. Photo traps first confirmed their presence in 2020, and a recent sighting of a female with two cubs offers hope for continued growth.

Ongoing Threats and Conservation Efforts

Despite the positive trends, snow leopards face persistent threats, including poaching, habitat disruption from expanding economic activities, climate change, and conflicts with local communities. To address these issues, Kazakhstan is working to expand protected areas, such as the proposed Merken Regional Park in Zhambyl Oblast. The use of satellite telemetry has also advanced conservation efforts, with 11 snow leopards collared in 2021 to monitor their movements and behaviors.

High mortality rates among young snow leopards remain a concern. Juveniles often migrate to neighboring countries where the risk of human-wildlife conflict is higher. To reduce such conflicts, Kazakhstan offers financial compensation to herders for livestock losses caused by snow leopards, aiming to prevent retaliatory killings.

International Recognition and Collaboration

Kazakhstan’s achievements in snow leopard conservation have drawn international acclaim. While many countries struggle with declining or stagnant snow leopard populations, Kazakhstan has demonstrated measurable progress. Collaborative efforts with Kyrgyzstan, supported by international agreements, have further strengthened regional conservation initiatives. UNDP projects have enhanced protection in 14 natural areas across Kazakhstan, utilizing advanced tools such as camera traps, drones, and thermal imaging devices.

The resurgence of Kazakhstan’s snow leopard population stands as a testament to effective and sustained conservation strategies. By safeguarding this iconic predator, the country contributes to global biodiversity and highlights the importance of proactive environmental stewardship.

A new study has found that spending time in nature can significantly improve the mental health of children, particularly those with pre-existing emotional challenges. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, demonstrates that even simple, low-cost programs involving time outdoors can lead to remarkable benefits for children aged 10 to 12.

Nature as a Mental Health Equalizer

The study, conducted in Quebec, Canada, involved over 500 schoolchildren who participated in a three-month program in the spring of 2023. Researchers found that children with the most significant mental health issues—such as anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, and social difficulties—experienced the greatest improvements after spending two hours a week in natural environments.

Study senior author Professor Marie-Claude Geoffroy of McGill University highlighted the transformative effects:
“We found that children with higher mental health symptoms at baseline showed greater reductions in symptoms following the intervention.”

The intervention acted as a mental health equalizer, reducing disparities among children and offering particular support to those most vulnerable.

The Program: Learning in Nature

As part of the program, teachers moved regular class activities—such as lessons in math, science, and languages—into local parks or green spaces for two hours each week. Additionally, they included 10- to 15-minute activities aimed at promoting mental health. Examples included:

• Drawing a tree
• Writing haikus
• Mindful walking

The study’s first author, Tianna Loose from the University of Montreal, emphasized the simplicity and accessibility of the approach:
“The intervention was low-cost, well-received, and posed no risks, making it a promising strategy for schools with access to greenspaces.”

Positive Outcomes for Students and Teachers

At the end of the program, teachers reported that students were calmer, more relaxed, and more attentive in class after their outdoor sessions. The most significant behavioral improvements were observed in children who had exhibited high levels of distress at the start of the study.

The findings build on observational research and mark the first time a randomized controlled trial has been used to evaluate the mental health benefits of nature for children. The study aligns with a recent UNICEF report underscoring the importance of green spaces for childhood development.

Inspiration from the Pandemic

The project was inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, when concerns arose about children spending excessive time indoors. Professor Geoffroy shared how her own experiences influenced the study:
“My kids and I spend lots of time in parks, so I’ve seen the benefits of spending time in nature, both for myself and for them. I thought, maybe we can create a free and accessible intervention for school children to experience similar benefits.”

Next Steps: Teenagers and Climate Anxiety

The research team plans to expand their work to include teenagers, co-designing nature-based programs aimed at reducing climate anxiety, improving well-being, and fostering a deeper connection to the environment.

Co-author Professor Sylvana Côté from the University of Montreal noted the broader implications of the findings:
“This suggests that nature-based programs may offer targeted benefits for children with higher levels of mental health vulnerabilities and potentially act as an equalizer of mental health among school-age children.”

A Simple Yet Powerful Solution

With schools increasingly recognizing the value of mental health support, this study highlights the potential of outdoor learning programs. By incorporating nature into the school day, educators can provide children with a calming, restorative environment that improves emotional well-being, focus, and social interaction—all without significant costs or risks.

As schools consider innovative ways to support students, nature-based interventions offer a promising solution that benefits both children and their communities.

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in wildlife conservation, with the nation’s tiger population growing to 3,682 in 2022, up from 2,967 in 2018. This marks a consistent annual increase of 6% in areas that have been systematically monitored, according to a statement presented to Parliament.

Strategies Behind the Growth

The rise in tiger numbers is largely attributed to the efforts of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Their conservation strategy is built around three pillars:

1. Material and Logistical Support: Ensuring reserves have the necessary resources for effective management.
2. Restricting Habitat Interventions: Limiting human activity in tiger habitats to maintain ecological balance.
3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Guidelines to address challenges such as human-tiger conflicts and population management.

Minister of State for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Regional Growth and Declines

Significant growth in tiger populations has been recorded across several landscapes in India:

• Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats: Numbers rose from 1,033 in 2018 to 1,439 in 2022. This area includes states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Shivalik-Gangetic Plain Complex: Encompassing Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, tiger numbers increased from 646 to 819, with Uttarakhand alone seeing a rise from 442 to 560.
• Sundarbans: The iconic mangrove forests reported an increase from 88 tigers in 2018 to 101 in 2022.

However, certain regions have experienced declines. For instance:

• Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand: Notable reductions in tiger numbers.
• Arunachal Pradesh: The population dropped from 29 in 2018 to just 9 in 2022.

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra: Conservation Success Stories

Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra stand out as success stories:

• Madhya Pradesh’s tiger population grew from 526 in 2018 to 785 in 2022.
• Maharashtra saw an increase from 312 to 444 in the same period.

Project Tiger: A Conservation Cornerstone

India’s tiger population has more than doubled since 2006, when the number stood at 1,411. This growth is supported by Project Tiger, a government initiative established in 1973. The program funds conservation efforts through Annual Plans of Operation (APOs), derived from overarching Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs). These plans focus on:

• Limiting habitat interventions in reserves to prevent excessive tiger dispersion.
• Managing buffer zones to reduce human-wildlife conflicts while promoting connectivity to other habitats.

Reducing Human-Tiger Conflict

To address human-tiger conflicts, the NTCA has implemented SOPs that include:

• Managing dispersing tigers.
• Reducing livestock predation to mitigate conflict.
• Relocating tigers from overcrowded reserves to areas with lower population density.

A Model for Global Conservation

India’s success in tiger conservation is a testament to the country’s dedication to preserving its biodiversity. The ongoing efforts not only secure the future of this iconic species but also enhance the health of ecosystems where tigers thrive. With continued support and adaptation to emerging challenges, India remains a global leader in tiger conservation.

In a shady clearing at Dams to Darnley Country Park, Hannah Willow, barefoot and clutching twigs and leaves, gently approached a towering tree. After gracefully circling it, she wrapped her arms around its wide trunk, resting her cheek against the rough bark.

Willow, a 36-year-old teacher and children’s book author, was crowned the champion tree hugger at Glasgow’s inaugural Tree Hugging Tournament. The event, organized just outside the city, was designed to help people reconnect with nature in what organizers called a “playful and heartfelt way.”

“I’m over the moon,” Willow said, adorned with her leaf-and-branch crown. “I’ve always been a bit of a tree hugger, so being here with others who feel the same is wonderful. The woods are truly where I feel at peace.”

About 15 adults and four children participated in the event, which draws inspiration from Finland’s World Tree Hugging Championships. As the weekend’s champion, Willow earned a spot in the international competition, held in the HaliPuu forest, just north of the Arctic Circle.

The global competition was established in 2020 to lift spirits during the pandemic and encourage people to reduce stress by spending time in forests. Since then, similar events have sprouted worldwide, including Glasgow’s tournament and another in the Scottish Highlands.

Shuna Mercer, 50, and Vicki Dale, the organizers, emphasized the mental health benefits of nature. Mercer, an outdoor play therapist, explained, “We wanted to raise awareness about how vital it is to reconnect with the natural world. With so much time spent on screens, people are missing out on the emotional benefits that come from being outdoors.”

The tournament consisted of three rounds. In the first, participants competed in speed hugging, where they hugged as many trees as possible in one minute, ensuring each hug lasted at least five seconds. The second round, “dedicated” hugging, focused on showing deep connection and respect to a single tree. The final freestyle round allowed competitors to express their creativity through their most unique and personal tree hug.

Vicki Dale’s daughter, Lottie, won the children’s category. Wearing a pink raincoat and green boots, she set up a whimsical tea party with her teddy bear, Tom, and a gnarled tree, which she lovingly referred to as the “twirly tree.” Lottie also read a poem during the dedicated hug, saying, “I chose this tree because it stood out to me. It’s important for kids to connect with nature, and I love spending time in the woods with my mom.”

As for Willow, she’s now preparing to compete in Finland next summer. When asked for her advice on tree hugging, she shared, “It’s all about intention. Trees are living beings, just like us. When you give them a bit of love, it’s a beautiful thing.”

A groundbreaking development in chocolate production has emerged from Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. Food scientist Kim Mishra and his team have created a method to manufacture chocolate using the entire cocoa fruit, not just the beans, while eliminating the need for added sugar.

This innovative approach addresses several issues in the chocolate industry, including sustainability and farmer welfare. Traditionally, chocolate production discards most of the cocoa fruit, wasting valuable resources. The new method utilizes the fruit’s sweet juice, pulp, and even the husk to create a naturally sweet cocoa gel, potentially revolutionizing the industry.

The process has attracted attention from sustainable food companies and could solve multiple problems faced by the cocoa industry. Anian Schreiber, co-founder of KOA, a Swiss startup involved in the project, believes this approach could increase income for cocoa farmers and create more value in cocoa-producing countries.

This development comes at a time when the chocolate industry is under scrutiny for its historical links to colonialism and ongoing issues such as child labor and deforestation. The new method could contribute to more ethical and sustainable chocolate production.

The chocolate produced by this method has been described as having a rich, dark, yet sweet flavor with a hint of cocoa bitterness. However, challenges remain, including potentially higher production costs due to the current subsidies for sugar production.

Despite these hurdles, interest in the new method is growing. Chocolate producers from various cocoa-growing countries have reached out to learn more about the technique. Some major Swiss producers are beginning to incorporate more of the cocoa fruit in their processes, though none have yet eliminated sugar entirely.

As the Swiss chocolate industry, which produces 200,000 tonnes of chocolate annually worth an estimated $2 billion, looks to the future, this innovation could play a significant role in ensuring sustainability while maintaining Switzerland’s reputation for exceptional chocolate.

The development represents not just a potential shift in chocolate production, but also a step towards more sustainable and ethical practices in the food industry as a whole.