DUSHANBE, 20.09.2023 (NIAT Khovar) – Today, the Tugay Forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision was made during the 45th extended session of the World Heritage Committee, which takes place from September 10 through September 25 in Riyadh, reports the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of Tajikistan.

A solemn ceremony was held to inscribe the Nomination on the UNESCO World Heritage List, at which the Chairman of the Committee Bahodur Sheralizoda and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to France, Italy, and the Permanent Representative of Tajikistan to UNESCO Jamoliddin Ubaidullo delivered speech.

During his speech, the Chairman of the Committee noted the importance of this decision in protecting the flora and fauna of the reserve.

The preparation of the Tugay Forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve nomination for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List began back in 2020 and 2021. A special working group, consisting of employees and environmental protection specialists, scientists and national experts, was created under the Committee.

The Tigrovaya Balka State Nature Reserve is the first state nature reserve of Tajikistan and was created with the aim of protecting and preserving unique ecosystems, desert, steppe and its unique animals.

The Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve is located in the southwestern part of Tajikistan, in a desert region, between the Vakhsh, Panj and Kofarnihon rivers, on the border with Afghanistan, at the source of the largest river in Central Asia, the Amu Darya.

The total area of the Tigrovaya Balka reserve is 49,700 hectares, which is covered by a vast area of desert and meadow ecosystems on the left and right banks of the Vakhsh River. The territory of Tigrovaya Balka is mainly located on the administrative border of Dusti, Kubodiyon and Jayhun districts of Khatlon region.

The Tugay Forests of the Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful corners of the nature of Tajikistan and a place with special natural secrets of centuries-old evolution.

The Tigrovaya Balka Nature Reserve and its Tugay Forests have not changed their natural state. The rare and endangered species of flora and fauna are protected and preserved in this territory.