We are studying scientific research to develop the Territories of Full Ecological Tranquility (TFET).

So, we have already identified the approximate TFET regions in High Mountain Asia — in other words, the areas where Territories of Full Ecological Tranquility should be established. I am now studying numerous scientific papers and maps to test our hypothesis: can these territories truly serve as major refugia and, above all, as recovery hubs for the biosphere? I believe that every proposal we submit to governments, when advocating changes to the protected-area system, should begin with a fundamental justification: WHY exactly should these territories become TFET?

What I am studying now:

— How many unique species and evolutionary lineages are found here, especially since there is a great deal of scientific research on this subject. Mountains occupy a relatively small proportion of the Earth's land surface, yet they concentrate an enormous number of species! Therefore, we need to study and document the scale of biodiversity here, particularly endemic species.

— Do elevation gradients allow species to move in response to shifting climate zones and survive climate change? In fact, this is one of the most valuable functions of mountain biological refugia. For each region, we need to identify precise scientific studies and incorporate all of this evidence into the justification for future TFET.

— The most difficult task for me at the moment is studying the altitudinal continuity of ecosystems. The more complete the gradient, the greater the potential ability of the system to preserve species as conditions change, for example as a result of major disturbances.

— Another extremely important task, although it is already somewhat easier to find and connect the relevant data, is studying the cryosphere and water systems. This includes glaciers, snow cover, and the headwaters of Asia's largest rivers. For example, Tibet and the surrounding mountain ranges form what is known as the “Third Pole” and play an enormous role in the water cycle of Eurasia. All of this also needs to be studied.

After we organize the data for each topic, study the scientific literature, and bring all the evidence together, we will need to map ecosystem connectivity. Can we actually connect major natural core areas into a continuous system so that animals and plants can migrate between them? And how can this be achieved while taking geography, political borders, different states, and other factors into account? We will have to work through all of this.

This will form the framework for future projects. Much of it will be based on my own field experience, and even more on scientific studies conducted by researchers around the world.

And I know that many of our supporters will ask why, for example, future TFET cannot simply be designated wherever large areas of nature still remain. The answer is simple: we need territories with a specific set of properties that will allow them to function for centuries as reserve centers for the conservation and recovery of biological systems.

This is what I am working on now, and studying all of this takes a great deal of time. But the work is important! Sometimes I do not even notice that morning has already come, while both the day and the entire night have passed without sleep.

I think I will prepare separate, comprehensive materials once I am ready — detailed analyses in the form of articles for people to read. We will explain which territories can and should be included in the Territories of Full Ecological Tranquility (TFET), what data we have collected, what the final result may look like, and how we will proceed from there.