CACN
The Central Asian Conservation Network (CACN) is a regional platform for NGOs, experts, and conservation practitioners dedicated to enhancing transboundary conservation across Central Asia and the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). Its goal is to create synergies and catalyze action on the ground to maximize conservation outcomes at the regional level. We facilitate information-sharing, capacity development, and transboundary programs with a focus on the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. CACN Members are independent non-governmental environmental organisations registered locally in CAF countries. The network coordinates and collaborates with various partners, including international organisations, international NGOs, government agencies, and research institute. Members, partners, conservation practitioners, researchers and experts form the working groups.
Learn more about CACN
Protecting critical habitats across the flyway
Migratory birds depend on a limited number of ecologically critical sites to complete their annual life cycle. Degradation or loss of any one of these sites can have flyway-scale consequences. A connected network of flyway sites is essential to maintain ecological connectivity, support species recovery, and ensure long-term resilience of migratory bird populations in the CAF.
Explore the sitesCACN Working Groups
The Central Asian Conservation Network (CACN) Working Groups provide the technical, scientific, and collaborative backbone for conserving migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. Each Working Group brings together experts, practitioners, and institutions to address priority species, habitats, and cross-cutting conservation challenges, strengthening cooperation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated action across countries and sectors.
See all working groups
Conservation in action across the flyway
The project database displays completed and current projects undertaken by CACN members and partners focusing on conservation of migratory birds and their habitats in the Central Asian Flyway.
Enhancing the conservation of Bishkek’s wetlands by building capacity, raising awareness and demonstrating nature-based conservation measures at the local community level, in accordance with national and international regulatory frameworks on biodiversity conservation.
The aim of the project is to strengthen conservation measures for wetlands within the municipality of Bishkek and in the ‘Northern Chu River Valley Reservoir’ IBA — a valuable peri-urban ecosystem that is under increasing pressure from urban development and human activity. Despite the importance of this site for the breeding and roosting of waterbirds, it is not effectively managed and does not receive the recognition it deserves. The project will trial community-based and nature-oriented solutions, including biodiversity mapping, the establishment of seasonal quiet zones, bioacoustic monitoring and awareness-raising activities. The main focus is on developing an action plan to implement other effective area-based measures for biodiversity conservation (OECMs) in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which will contribute to the long-term recognition and management of this site. Expected outcomes include improved environmental awareness, a reduction in human impact across an area of approximately 100 hectares occupied by priority habitats, and the strengthening of multi-stakeholder governance involving all relevant parties. By engaging local communities, volunteers and public authorities, the project will foster a sense of ownership of the area and position biodiversity as a valuable component of the local landscape, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development.
Bird Ringing at Various Locations of Gujarat
Batumi Raptor Count
Upcoming Events
Join conferences, workshops, webinars, training activities, meetings and field events across the Central Asian Flyway.
Press release - CAF digital hub launch
The Central Asian Flyway Digital Hub, developed by the Central Asian Conservation Network (CACN), has been launched as a regional platform to strengthen cooperation and information sharing for migratory bird conservation. It brings together information on bird species, important flyway sites, conservation initiatives, educational resources and participation opportunities across the flyway. The Hub also features two dedicated tools: a Bird Collision Reporting Portal for documenting bird deaths and injuries caused by infrastructure, and a Ringing and Resighting Portal for recording observations of marked birds and understanding migration routes. With support from WWF, Hong Kong and OSME, the platform aims to connect researchers, conservation organisations, birdwatchers, educators and communities across the Central Asian Flyway. It will continue to expand with new species information, educational resources, conservation projects and monitoring data.
CACN Waders Working Group meeting
Meeting of the CACN Working Group on Waders.
CBD COP17
Seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-17), Yerevan, Armenia.
Birds of the Central Asian Flyway
A selection of the many migratory bird species that depend on the flyway for their survival.
Literature, webinars & educational materials
Relevant CAF-related literature, webinars, and educational materials for researchers, practitioners, and the public.
Bustards Multi-species Action Plan adopted by Convention on Migratory Species
Mimi Kessler
The Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS COP15) has adopted a landmark Multi-species Action Plan (MsAP) to conserve all 26 species of bustards across 102 range states.
Central Asian Flyway Situation Analysis 2023: The status of migratory birds and their habitats and recommendations for their conservation
Mundkur et al
This information document was submitted by BirdLife International to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animal (CMS) in advance of CMS COP14, and provides the Central Asian Flyway Range States and Stakeholders with key information to align flyway-scale actions to conserve its migratory birds and their habitats.
Selenge, the Little Goose and her First Migration
Ramesh Kumar Selvaraj
Follow Selenge, a little Bar-headed Goose, as she undertakes her first great migration from the Eurasian Steppe to South Asia. Through this beautifully illustrated children's book, children and adults alike learn about bird migration in the Central Asian Flyway, the challenges that migratory birds must overcome to complete their epic journeys, and what we can all do to help conserve them and their habitats. For a high-resolution copy of this book, please click the Open Source tab below.
Witnessed a bird collision? Help us map the threats.
Power lines, wind turbines, and other energy infrastructure kill thousands of migratory birds every year. Your report will help guide the development of effective mitigation measures.
Members & Partners
The Central Asian Conservation Network brings together organisations across the flyway region.
