About the organization
The Tajikistan Nature Foundation (TNF) is an independent, nonprofit conservation organization
established in 2016. Originating as a network of community-based conservancies in the Pamir and
Zerafshan ranges, TNF has grown into a nationally active body dedicated to protecting Tajikistan's
wildlife biodiversity and natural landscapes. TNF's team includes field biologists and species
experts, community liaisons and conservation educators, youth volunteers and university interns, and
communications and project officers.
The organization also collaborates closely with local communities, protected and conservation
areas, and relevant authorities. Its mission is to advance biodiversity conservation by strengthening
the connection between nature and local livelihoods, empowering communities to sustainably govern
their natural resources, and preserving Tajikistan's wildlife and wild landscapes for future
generations.
Main areas of activity
Wildlife conservation, biodiversity research, protected area management, environmental education.
Target species / subspecies
Bukhara Urial, Severtzov's Sheep, Marco Polo Sheep.
Geographic scope of work
Tajikistan, the Gissar-Alai and Pamir mountain systems. In recent years, the organization has been
actively working within protected areas (PAs).
Experience working with wild sheep
Since its founding, TNF has been actively studying the mountain ungulates of Tajikistan across a
number of territories, including mountain sheep such as the urial and Marco Polo sheep. The
organization monitors populations, determines distribution ranges and species presence in specific
territories, identifies threats to populations, and develops and successfully implements conservation
measures.
Key projects during the last 5 years
The Vanishing Treasures Programme (2019–2024), funded by Luxembourg and led by
UNEP, ran to conserve endangered mountain species threatened by climate change.
Central Asian Mammals and Climate Adaptation (CAMCA) (2023–2026) is a major
regional initiative aimed at protecting flagship migratory species and their habitats from rapid
global warming. Funded by Germany's International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented via UNEP
and GRID-Arendal.
One Health in Central Asia (2024–2028) is a comprehensive regional strategy to
prevent pandemic outbreaks and mitigate zoonotic diseases. Backed by international bodies such as
IUCN, the World Bank, WHO, FAO, UNEP and WOAH, it connects human public health, veterinary science,
and ecosystem conservation across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Supporting Private Sector and Community Conservation (2020–2024) aimed to
strengthen the role of the private sector and local communities in biodiversity conservation. Funded
by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
Major achievements
Nationwide, science-based conservation of threatened species and habitats through ecological
research and monitoring, community engagement and livelihoods, education, and policy collaboration to
protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development.
