Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan) boasts a rich and unique biodiversity. The region features diverse ecosystems, from vast deserts and steppes to high mountain ranges, each hosting a variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic. Despite this ecological wealth, relatively little data has been published about the biodiversity of Central Asia. This lack of published information hinders conservation efforts and sustainable development. Enhanced awareness and knowledge can also drive international collaboration and funding for environmental protection initiatives in the region.
Digitisation and GBIF data publication across Central Asia is in early stages and needs reinforcing and extending.The CESP data publication workshops in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan held over the past two years have been successful; now is the time to capitalise on these successes and spread the practice of FAIR data publication to our neighbouring countries. In Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan in particular, there is very little exposure to GBIF or FAIR data principles, and there are no data publishers and datasets. In Kazakhstan there is some active data publication, but almost by a single publisher, and we need to spread more awareness of the benefits of data publication in the region. Our project will address these needs and will bolster the Central Asian GBIF community, which will in turn strengthen GBIF’s reach internationally.
The conference and workshop will strengthen ties between these neighboring countries and build and spread data publication capacity in the region. This event is a part of Expanding FAIR biodiversity data practices in Central Asia via regional workshops and collaborative networks CESP2025-004.