The grants awarded were of up to $1500 in value, and will run until the end of September 2008.The successful projects in 2007 are:

Khludnev, A.V. Construction of an ecological trail in the “Stepnoi” nature reserve. Russia.

Vashetko, E.V. Creation of an electronic library on the saiga.Uzbekistan

Obgenova, O.B. To produce educational materials for younger schoolchildren, “On the track of the baby saiga”.

Esenamanov, R. Assessment of the distribution, sex-age structure and limiting factors for the Betpak-dala population of saigas in the winter period. Kazakhstan

A number of very strong proposals were submitted, from 6 countries, and four runners-up have been identified who will be supported in 2008 if additional funds can be raised. These are (in priority order):

Amgalan, L. Proposal for the creation of a protected area in the Shagan-Gobi, Mongolia.

Yueqing Green Volunteer Association. Study of the attitudes of consumers to the use of saiga horns in Venchoi, China.

Lushchekina, A.A. The development of a database for year-round monitoring of saigas in the North-West Pre-Caspian region, Russia.

Zharimbetov, M.M. Distribution of an animated film “The saiga saga” among local people in the saiga range area.

The Steering Committee of the SCA is very keen to make this competition an annual event, if funding allows. It is a very cost-effective way of catalysing conservation action where it is needed throughout the saiga’s range, and of helping to build capacity among local conservationists. One strength of the programme is its accessible application procedure, with short proposals which can be submitted in either Russian or English, meaning it is open to groups who would not normally be able to apply for an international grant. Each project leader is mentored by a member of the SCA Steering Committee, to ensure that project progress is monitored and support given where necessary.

If the 2008 competition runs, it will be announced through the e-bulletin Saiga News and on this website. If you would like more details on the competition, how to apply, how to donate to the scheme, or on the 2007 projects and runners-up, do contact us.