2023-12-31-accounts - Saiga Conservation Alliance

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From: 01/01/2023 To:

31/12/2023

Charity name: Saiga Conservation Alliance (SCA)

Charity registration number: 1135851

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	To promote for the benefit of the public the conservation and protection of the critically endangered saiga antelope, and to advance the education of the public in the conservation and protection of the same

Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	In 2023, the Saiga Conservation Alliance (SCA) focused on several key activities aimed at furthering its charitable objectives, all of which were designed to contribute to the public benefit. These activities included efforts in fundraising, marketing, and growth, as well as significant improvements to the organization's operational efficiency and administrative capacity. SCA actively supported anti-poaching efforts in key saiga habitats, providing essential equipment and training for rangers in Uzbekistan. These efforts helped to enhance biodiversity monitoring and the implementation of SMART patrolling systems. SCA expanded its engagement with local communities across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, primarily through the 26 Steppe Wildlife Clubs and Saiga Day celebrations, which reached over 1,600 participants. These events focused on raising awareness about biodiversity and saiga conservation through hands-on activities, especially engaging youth in rural areas. Educational materials were also distributed, promoting environmental awareness in English and Uzbek. SCA’s marketing efforts included producing impact blogs, hosting public speaking events, and creating tailored content for major donors to boost engagement and donations. Campaigns such as #CameraTrapTuesday, along with coordinated efforts through the website and social media, helped increase awareness of saiga conservation and fostered a wider audience, including children, donors, and the global conservation community. The annual publication of the Saiga News bulletin in six languages continued to serve as a critical platform for disseminating research, conservation updates, and promoting international collaboration among stakeholders. It is widely distributed both in print and online. SCA worked to foster international collaboration through its Annual Awards Programme, supporting young conservationists and small conservation projects across saiga range states. Additionally, the Saiga Inception Meeting hosted in Oxford provided a platform for strategic discussions on saiga conservation, habitat restoration, and cross-border cooperation. SCA contributed to a 2023 report on the sustainable use of saiga antelopes, exploring ways to balance population recovery with regulated hunting and non-consumptive uses like ecotourism. Notably, the IUCN Red List assessment reclassified Saiga tatarica from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened, recognizing substantial population recovery, but also underscoring ongoing threats like poaching, disease, and habitat degradation. In Uzbekistan, SCA ran a successful ecotourism skills training program, culminating in the launch of a new tourist trail and homestay business in Muynak. These efforts contributed to local economic development and poverty alleviation while promoting sustainable conservation practices.

		SCA’s diverse activities in 2023 were closely aligned with its purpose of promoting saiga conservation and biodiversity protection for the public benefit, particularly in key saiga range states. These activities also contributed to capacity building, local community engagement, and fostering international collaboration.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	Yes, all the trustees have signed off on this report.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38
Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference


Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	Fundraising, Marketing, and Growth Improvement of SCA's Administrative Capacity In 2023, SCA underwent key personnel changes. Long-serving trustee Anna Lushchekina retired, and Waleri Schmunk joined as a trustee. To improve efficiency, SCA adopted new financial recording practices and started using Xero for financial management. Project management tools and trackers were also introduced to enhance donor care and communications. Public Awareness, Communications, Donor Engagement, Fundraising and Growth In 2023, SCA made significant progress in fundraising, marketing, and communications. Key initiatives included: • Impact Blogs: Highlighting project activities to engage the audience, increase website traffic, and boost donations and mailing list sign-ups. • Public Speaking: SCA representatives raised awareness about saiga conservation at events like the Deserts Conference and WCN Expo. • Content Production: Content created for major donors (e.g., Whitley Fund for Nature, PTES, WCN) amplified SCA's conservation message. SCA expanded its online outreach, targeting a diverse audience, including donors, children, and the global conservation community. Key campaigns, such as #CameraTrapTuesday, highlighted ongoing field projects, research, and Steppe Wildlife Club activities. The ongoing development of the SCA website also enhanced coordination with social media, promoting public engagement. SCA proactively celebrated national and international awareness days related to saiga conservation with special guest blogs including but not limited to World Ranger Day and World Veterinary Day. Saiga News & Events Saiga Newsis an annual bulletin published in six languages (English, Russian, Chinese, Uzbek, Kazakh, Mongolian), reaching conservationists, governments, and the public. It bridges the gap between local and international conservation efforts and covers key topics. The bulletin features


		research updates, Saiga hero profiles, and articles, distributed both online and in print. In 2023 we published two issues. Saiga Meeting (Oxford, UK, March 2023) SCA hosted the Inception Meeting and panel event for a new programme, funded by USFWS: “Conserving Wildlife in the Central Asian Steppes”, with participants from USFWS programme and various conservation organisations working on saiga trade and conservation. Discussions covered topics such as: • Conservation strategies: Habitat restoration and anti-poaching. • Scientific research: Saiga populations and climate change impacts. • Policy and collaboration: Cross-border cooperation and integrating research into policy. The event fostered collaboration and laid plans for workshops and a detailed action plan for saiga conservation. Annual Awards Programme SCA promotes international collaboration through its Annual Awards Programme, consisting of: • YCL (Young Conservation Leaders) • SGP (Small Grants Programme) • ESP (Excellence in Saiga Protection) Our 2023 Award Winners were: • YCL: Mekhriban Saparbayeva (Uzbekistan), Mao Jing (China) • SGP:Aibat Muzbay(Kazakhstan), Bayarmaa Chuluunbat(Mongolia) • ESP:Arman Kuzhakhmetov (Kazakhstan),Olonbaatar Gaanbat (Mongolia) Community Education and Outreach– International Saiga Day, Day of Migratory Species and Day of Protected Areas, Steppe Wildlife Clubs and Educational Materials Saiga Day 2023 was celebrated in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia, with activities organised by Steppe Wildlife Clubs, raising awareness about saiga conservation. • Uzbekistan: 900 participants

• Kazakhstan: 200 participants • Mongolia: 500 participants Activities included poster competitions, cycling marathons, tree planting, and lessons. These events engage rural communities and encourage youth participation in conservation. Steppe Wildlife Clubs SCA supported 26 Steppe Wildlife Clubs in 2023. These clubs promote biodiversity and environmental awareness through hands-on activities, fostering stewardship in local communities across Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. Educational Materials Educational resources in English and Uzbek were distributed to 400 people across various events, promoting environmental education in saiga range states and the Aral Sea region. Educational materials are available for conservationist to download from Saiga Resource Centre Research and Conservation – International Enhancing Anti-Poaching Capacity in Saiga Range Core funding in 2023 supported rangers in key saiga habitats, leading to significant improvements: • Saigachy Reserve (Uzbekistan): Equipment provided included camera traps, tents, and uniforms. Rangers received biodiversity monitoring training, implemented SMART patrolling, and received ecological education. • Aralkum National Park (Uzbekistan): Similar equipment and training were provided, with additional technical support for PA zoning and management plan development. Building a Collaborative Foundation for Evidence-Based Saiga Conservation This USFWS-funded project seeks to unite stakeholders in saiga conservation, especially those funded by USFWS grants. The goal is to amplify conservation efforts, foster supply chain

cooperation, and provide a training platform for future saiga conservation experts. Kazakhstan Saiga Conservation and Management Strategy The SCA has been supporting the Government of Kazakhstan in developing its Saiga Conservation and Management Strategy, including a field visit by the SCA’s Chair of Trustees as a member of an International Expert Group, in May 2023. CMS MoU Coordination Support Since 2006, the Saiga Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has fostered a global network of saiga conservationists and researchers, including all range states and major NGOs. The MoU facilitates collaboration and strategy development, but engagement from non-range countries involved in the saiga horn trade remains limited. Strengthening these ties could enhance conservation efforts. At the fourth MoU meeting in September 2021, signatories confirmed that two NGOs — ACBK and SCA — would continue providing technical and logistical support to coordinate MoU activities and the Medium-Term International Work Program (MTIWP) 2021–2025. This activity continued in 2023, including maintenance of the Saiga Resource Centre and production of the report mentioned below. Sustainable Use of Saiga Antelopes The 2023 report on "The Sustainable Use of Saiga Antelopes" was created for the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), with an authorship team from across the saiga range states, convened and led by the SCA. Funded by Germany's Federal Ministry, it explores potential strategies for sustainable use, aiming to restore saiga populations to levels that could allow regulated hunting. The report summarises population theory and saiga ecology, sustainable harvest strategies, and institutional structures for managing saigas in Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. It emphasises a precautionary approach due to saigas’ high productivity but vulnerability to environmental shocks. Involving local communities in management and exploring non-consumptive uses like eco-tourism are key recommendations. International collaboration is essential for sustainable management.

IUCN Red List Assessment – Saiga tatarica (2023) In 2023, the IUCN Red List reclassified Saiga tatarica from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened, thanks to a 1,100% population increase, especially in Kazakhstan. By May 2022, the global population reached over 1.32 million, with 98% in Kazakhstan. However, uncertainties remain due to potential mass mortality events (MMEs), illegal poaching, habitat degradation, and climatic factors. Saiga populations in Russia and Uzbekistan remain depleted, and global collaboration remains critical to securing the species' future. SCA colleagues were involved in reviewing and assessing the classification and publicising this conservation milestone. Research and Conservation – Uzbekistan Ecotourism Skills Training From 18 to 21 December 2023, SCA-Uzbekistan hosted a skills training program on ecotourism in Nukus, Karakalpakstan, attended by over 20 stakeholders, including tour operators and officials. Participants explored the design of eco-touristic routes, legal frameworks, and marketing strategies. A new tourist trail was piloted, and a homestay business was launched in Muynak, contributing to local poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Progress in Protected Area (PA) Delineation and Zoning Significant progress was made in establishing protected areas (PAs) in Aralkum, with the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan approving the zonation in 2023. Technical Support and Biodiversity Conservation SCA-Uzbekistan is developing a Biodiversity Management Plan for the newly established Aralkum PA, supported by land cover classification and ground-truthing surveys. Several scientific publications are in preparation, based on these findings, highlighting the project’s research-driven approach. Capacity Building and Industry Engagement

Between April and September 2023, biodiversity monitoring expeditions conducted by the Institute of Zoology in Uzbekistan (together with SCA colleagues) provided critical data for conservation. Industry collaboration, including partnerships with SANEG and UzKorGas, ensured alignment with the "No Net Loss" principle in development projects. Further training sessions in September 2023 engaged local professionals in conservation practices. Research Publications A research paper on local perceptions of natural resource usage was published in the journal Land Use Policy in 2023, emphasising the importance of considering community perspectives in conservation and sustainable use efforts. (Alikhanova et al. 2023), and co-authored by SCA team members.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Total income for 2023 was £202,234 with total expenditure of £156,815. Cash funds increased accordingly from £146,213 at the end of 2022 to £191,632 at the end of 2023. None of the SCA’s expenditure relates to the payment of personal expenses for Trustees and the SCA remains fortunate that all trustees are willing to cover all such costs themselves.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	Reserves are held in order to continue to pay salaries of SCA core personnel and to be able to carry out our core programmes for a period of 6 months
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£30,000
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46
Other

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Constitution adopted 20th August 2009
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	Association
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Positions advertised, interviewed for and appointed by existing Trustees.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Saiga Conservation Alliance
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number	1135851
Charity’s principal address	The Garden Cottage, Park Corner, Nettlebed, Henley-on- Thames. RG9 6DR

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
E.J. Milner-Gulland	Chair
Anna Lushchekina		Resigned in September 2023
David Mallon
Anthony Dancer	Honorary treasurer
Waleri Schmunk		Appointed on 03/10/23

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of Name Address adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

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Signature(s)
Full name(s) [E.J. Milner-Gulland]
Position (eg Chair
Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date 25/10/2024
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Charity Name No (if any)
Saiga Conservation Alliance 113581
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 1-Jan-23 31-Dec-23
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Grants & Donations - Darwin £4,743 - - 4,743 -
Grants & Donations - General £577 - - 577 -
Grants & Donations - PTES £20,000 - - 20,000 -
Grants & Donations - FFI £57,255 - - 57,255 -
Grants & Donations - USFW £32,736 32,736
Grants & Donations - WCN £79,871 - - 79,871 -
Grants & Donations - WfN £0 - - - -
Interest & Banking compensation £1,633 - - 1,633 -
Returned payment £5,419 - - 5,419 -
Sub total (Gross income for AR) 202,234 - - 202,234 -
A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table).
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 202,234 - - 202,234 -
A3 Payments
International - Community education and outreach -
Saiga day and DMS £10,726 - - 10,726 -
International - Fundraising, Marketing and Growth -
Admin capacity (staff) £26,018 - - 26,018 -
International - Fundraising, Marketing and Growth -
Communications £17 - - 17 -
International - Fundraising, Marketing and Growth -
Donor engagement £1,262 - - 1,262 -
International - Fundraising, Marketing and Growth -
Merchandising £129 - - 129 -
International - Fundraising, Marketing and Growth -
New finance system £714 - - 714 -
International - Networking and capacity-building -
Saiga News £6,026 - - 6,026 -
International - Networking and capacity-building -
Small grants scheme £5,804 5,804
International - Networking and capacity-building -
Small grants scheme & awards £2,980 - - 2,980 -
International - Research and conservation - Anti-
poaching £2,622 - - 2,622 -
International - Research and conservation - USFW
£34,312 - - 34,312 -
Uzbekistan - Community education and outreach -
Steppe Wildlife Clubs £2,280 - - 2,280 -
Uzbekistan - Research and conservation -
Saigachy reserve anti poaching £2,412 - - 2,412 -
Uzbekistan - Research and conservation - USFW
£21,669 - - 21,669 -
Uzbekistan - Research and conservation -
Vozrozhdenie Darwin £1,455 - - 1,455 -
Uzbekistan - Research and conservation -
Vozrozhdenie Ptes £14,113 - - 14,113 -
Uzbekistan - Research and conservation -
Vozrozhdenie WFN £24,277 - - 24,277 -
Sub total [ 156,815 ] - - 156,815 -
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
- - - -
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Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 156,815 - - 156,815 -
Net of receipts/(payments) 45,419 - - 45,419 -
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 146,213 - - 146,213 -
Cash funds this year end 191,632 - - 191,632 -
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Current account 191,632 - -
Total cash funds 191,632 - -
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s)) OK OK OK
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets - - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B3 Investment assets - - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use - - -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
B5 Liabilities - - -
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all Date of
the trustees Signature Print Name approval
Anthony Dancer 29-Nov-24
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Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl members of Saiga Conservation Allian On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Charity no (if any) 1135851 Sèt out on pages Three and four Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the responsibilities of accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audrt is not required trustets and examiner for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an indeperKlent examination is needed. It is my responsibilty to". examine the accounts under section 145 of the CharFties Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Chanty Commission {under section 145(5)(b) of the Chartlies ACL and to stste whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried OLrt in accordan with general Directions oxaminevs ststement given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the acwunts preserrted with those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual rtems or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees GonMing any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audrt. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a knje and fair. view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent In connection wtth my examination. no matter has come to my examinerfs attention statement 1. which gives me reasonate use to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accountin9 records in accordan with section 130 of the Charibes Act,. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records arKI comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met" or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. "Ple delete the words in the brackets rfthey do not apply. Signed: Date: Name: Neil Handley IER November 2024

Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any):

Retired Senior Manager - Lloyds TSB. Formerly an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers

Address:

6 Caesar Close Baston Peterborough, PE6 9PN

Section B Disclosure

Give here brief details N/A of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

November 2024

IER

November 2024

IER

*Sub total* *Total payments* *Net of receipts/(payments)* A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end *Cash funds this year end*	- 156,815 45,419 - 146,213 191,632	- - - - - -	- - - - - -	- 156,815 45,419	-

					-

					-
				- 146,213	- -
				191,632	-

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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Current account 191,632 - -
Total cash funds 191,632 - -
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s)) OK OK OK
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets - - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B3 Investment assets - - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use - - -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
B5 Liabilities - - -
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all Date of
the trustees Signature Print Name approval
Anthony Dancer 29-Nov-24
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November 2024

IER