The Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (UzSPB) has recently received one of the donated Leica Trinovid binoculars, boosting their efforts in waterbird monitoring. This new equipment represents a considerable upgrade from the outdated binoculars previously used by the organization’s ornithologists.
The UzSPB is a young, developing, but one of the most credible non-governmental organizations committed to bird conservation and uniting experienced ornithologists in Uzbekistan. With limited capacity and resources, the organization relies heavily on the voluntary efforts of its members. For nearly a decade, UzSPB supporters have conducted the annual International Waterbird Counts (IWC) voluntarily. The Leica binoculars are therefore significantly enhancing the waterbird monitoring work being carried out by UzSPB in Uzbekistan.
“The enhanced optics and superior quality of the Leica binoculars are making a notable difference in the accuracy and efficiency of the International Waterbird Census (IWC) counts across Uzbekistan,” says Oleg Kashkarov, Awareness Raising and Education Officer at UzSPB. “Every small grant, donation, and piece of equipment provided by international partners and companies such as LEICA is deeply appreciated and makes a significant difference for our work,” says Oleg.
Advancing Skills and Expanding Coverage
The arrival of Leica binoculars is not only improving the skills of current counters but is also motivating UzSPB members to effectively monitor more Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). The binoculars have also sparked interest among new volunteers and have encouraged professional ornithologists in the country, many of whom have been working with old, inadequate equipment.
“One of the main users of the new Leica binoculars is one of our IWC coordinators from the UzSPB. This dedicated staff member monitors at least ten waterbodies across nine regions of Uzbekistan annually,” says Oleg.
The new binoculars have proven to be an invaluable asset during these extensive surveys, impressing ornithologists and volunteers alike. Many have remarked that “these are the best binoculars they have ever used”, underscoring the quality and effectiveness of Leica equipment in the field. The UzSPB has therefore expressed their strong desire for additional pairs of Leica binoculars to further support the work the society is doing across the three branches of the Uzbek society, indicating the profound impact the new professional binoculars are having on their conservation efforts.
Promoting Birdwatching and Conservation in Uzbekistan
Access to high-quality binoculars in Uzbekistan is limited, as birdwatching is not a widely popular activity, and many people cannot afford expensive equipment from abroad. Currently, the UzSPB staff holds the only pair of Leica binoculars and they are using them to demonstrate the benefits of high-quality optics to colleagues, supporters, and a growing number of visitors to the country.
“The impact of the Leica binoculars has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Oleg. “Our members, volunteers, and participants at our educational events are thrilled with the performance and clarity of the new equipment. These binoculars are really having a transformative effect and are a great support to our bird monitoring and conservation efforts,” says Oleg.