ASTANA – Prince William has praised Kazakhstan’s efforts to restore its saiga population, highlighting the country’s conservation achievements during an appearance on the BBC’s The Graham Norton Show on Oct. 23. Prince William discusses Kazakhstan’s saiga recovery on The Graham Norton Show.
Photo credit: The Graham Norton Show / So Television / BBC The Prince of Wales noted that saigas, which were once on the brink of extinction, have made a significant recovery, emphasizing the role of the Kazakh government in supporting conservation efforts. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan’s saiga population has grown from just 21,000 in 2003 to 4.689 million, according to the results of the spring 2026 census.
The recovery has received international recognition. In 2024, Kazakhstan’s Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative won the Earthshot Prize, founded by Prince William, in the Protect and Restore Nature category. Established in 2005, the initiative is a long-term partnership involving Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan and international conservation organizations.
Its work focuses on restoring saiga populations, protecting their habitats and preserving the country’s steppe ecosystems. The initiative also participated in London Climate Action Week from June 23 to 27, joining international leaders and organizations to advance climate and nature solutions.
Its representatives met with influential figures, including Prince William, during events such as Leading with Impact and Investing for Impact. Kazakhstan’s saiga recovery has become a prominent example of wildlife conservation, demonstrating the potential of sustained government support and partnerships between national and international conservation organizations.