Context: Recently, the Indian snow leopard experts received the Madrid-based BBVA Foundation’s Worldwide Biodiversity Conservation Award on behalf of The Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP).

Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)

• It was created in 2013.

• It was first mentioned in Bishkek Declaration (2013).

• It is a first-of-its-kind intergovernmental alliance for the conservation of the snow leopard and its unique ecosystem.

• It is led by the environment ministers of 12 countries in Asia that form the home range of the snow leopard.

• These are Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

• The total range spans two million square kilometers.

• Secretariat: Bishkek

• Hosted by (2022): Kyrgyz Republic.

Worldwide Biodiversity Conservation Award

• Established in 2004.

• It seeks to recognize and support the work done by conservationist organizations, institutions, and agencies in carrying forward environmental conservation policies and projects.