From October 27 to 29, representatives of tiger range countries, scientists, WWF field offices, and international partners gathered to exchange experience, review the results of the past year, and define the next steps for tiger conservation and recovery.

One of the key moments of the meeting was the presentation by WWF Central Asia, which showcased Kazakhstan’s Tiger Reintroduction Program. The WWF Central Asia office reported on the progress of the initiative and summarized the outcomes of the first year since the arrival of the two Amur tigers—Bogdana and Kuma—who were transferred in autumn 2024 from the Netherlands to Kazakhstan’s Ili-Balkhash State Nature Reserve.

During the presentation, WWF Central Asia highlighted the main achievements of the year: the successful acclimatization of the tiger pair, their adaptation to the new environment, the strengthening of the reserve’s prey base, engagement with local communities, and the development of partnerships and international cooperation.

«Representatives of tiger range countries are closely following this unique program of our neighbors. In the future, it may become not only an environmental initiative but also Kazakhstan’s contribution to the global natural heritage of humanity», noted WWF China representatives.

In its address at the TAG meeting, WWF Central Asia emphasized that Kazakhstan is not only restoring a symbolic part of its natural history but also setting an example for the world. Exactly one year ago, in 2024, the first two Amur tigers arrived in Kazakhstan. The animals are currently housed in a specially constructed WWF enclosure complex within the Ili-Balkhash Reserve. Their potential offspring are expected to be released into the wild in the future - an historic milestone in the restoration of wild tiger populations.

Their arrival marked an important step in the program implemented by the Committee for Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, with the support of WWF and UNDP in Kazakhstan.  

Several other countries are also exploring the possibility of bringing tigers back to their historical habitats. The meeting discussed similar initiatives in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where efforts are underway to restore ecosystems, create suitable habitats, and ensure a sustainable future for large predators. Thus, tiger reintroduction is becoming a global trend, uniting range countries in their shared mission to restore this keystone species and the ecosystems it sustains.

«It is a great honor for us to take part in such an important international event that brings together the efforts of all tiger range countries. This is a unique opportunity to present our program and share our results. Meetings like this are vital for tiger conservation worldwide - they allow us to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and enhance global cooperation in protecting this majestic species», said Ekaterine Nakashidze, Director of WWF Central Asia.

The next annual Tiger Advisory Group (TAG) meeting may be held in Kazakhstan, offering an excellent opportunity to showcase the progress of the tiger reintroduction program. Hosting the event in the country would allow experts from around the world to witness firsthand the achievements at the Ili-Balkhash Reserve and would represent a major step toward strengthening international cooperation in rare species conservation and predator population recovery.