Successful conservation of nature depends on the adoption of approaches based on close cooperation and broad participation of the local community in the conservation of biodiversity, both inside and outside protected areas.
However, the appropriate tools and mechanisms needed to effectively use local and traditional knowledge, especially as dynamic or operational knowledge in response to modern challenges, are often lacking. This is the case in the Yagnob Valley, where the local community has long been both the bearer and guardian of the valley's extraordinary natural heritage, but is now in a difficult position due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
An important source of economic growth of the Yagnob Valley can be the beautiful picturesque nature of the region, its natural geographical conditions. It will be possible to successfully develop various forms of tourism, create recreation areas, children's camps, hospitals, etc. Hence, you can revive the settlements of the Yaghnob Valley, contribute to the preservation of the unique nature, the Sogdian language, ancient traditions and customs of the Tajik people
The interaction of indigenous peoples with the environment for centuries fed them, warmed them, protected them, and provided them regular income. In the project "Traditional Knowledge and Sustainable Development in the face of pandemic COVID-19 ", we aim to promote joint processes with the community and thereby strengthen social and environmental sustainability, nature protection, by adapting the indigenous population living in the Yagnob National Nature Park to new realities, as well as simultaneously raise awareness and commitment to nature conservation in several sectors, including ecotourism, the use of traditional medical knowledge and handicrafts.