Big Balhan in Balkan Velayat may gain reserve status, while officials plan to designate Small Balhan and Garabogazkol as protected areas, as reported on Thursday by the page dedicated to nature conservation activities in Turkmenistan.
Scientific studies have recognized these territories as unique due to their natural beauty and significance for biodiversity. Rare wild animals, including leopards and their primary prey, inhabit the region, alongside rich flora. Additionally, these zones play a crucial role in maintaining ecological processes.
The project plans to establish a protected area covering 1,100 square kilometers on Big Balhan and 250 square kilometers on Small Balhan.
The initiative to create the reserve previously appeared in Turkmenistan’s National Forestry Program for 2021–2025, which emphasized the importance of preserving the natural riches of the Balkan Range.
Small Balhan is considered a crucial part of the ecological corridor connecting Western Kopetdag and Big Balhan, which is essential for the preservation of leopard populations.
