Saiga Documentary Premieres in Uzbekistan

Saiga Documentary Premieres in Uzbekistan

A new saiga antelope film documentary, "Ustyurt Saigas. The Right to Live", has just had its premiere in Nukus city, Uzbekistan. The event took place at the Pedagogical University of Karakalpakstan and involved more than 100 students and teachers.

The film tells the story of how people lived in harmony with the saiga antelope for hundreds of years until recently, when unsustainable use of natural resources and industrial development on the Ustyurt plateau began to destroy its unique wildlife.

The main focus of the documentary is the establishment of the Saigachy Reserve, the largest protected area in Uzbekistan, which helps mitigate the destructive impact of the extractive industries.

Afterwards the audience took part in a fascinating discussion around their ideas for possible ways to protect nature, and the role of saiga as part of Karakalpak cultural heritage.

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All participants were inspired and came up with the idea of organising a public marathon to raise awareness of saigas.

The documentary was produced by Gala-film studio with support from the Saiga Conservation Alliance. The premiere was supported by the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan.

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