The early establishment of a considerable number of nature reserves is proably one of the most valuable heritages of the former Soviet Union. These reserves represent most of the natural zones and endemic ecosystems on the Eurasian continent and are of paramount importance to the whole world. However after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, environmental policies and nature protection efforts in the 15 former republics developed in very different ways.
An example is the Tajik National Park that lies on the roof of the world—the Pamir—at altitudes ranging between 2,000 and almost 7,500 m. It encompasses almost all natural landscapes found in this extreme continental mountain region (high mountain deserts and steppes, alluvial landscapes, and meadows rich in herbs where water is adequate). The eastern part, previously used by nomads, is characterized by arid high plateaus, consisting primarily of pasturelands. Use of remote high pastures has declined significantly in the past 10 years because of lack of financially viable transportation. On the other hand, use of pastures in the vicinity of villages has continued to intensify.
The western part, with much steeper relief and many glaciers, has mixed cultivation. The TNP extends across both parts, which, in addition to landscape variation, also exhibit great diversity in ethnicity, culture, and traditional forms of cultivation. Permanently cultivated agricultural land is found in the western part, with occasional use of very labour-intensive irrigation systems, constituting a significant portion of the cultural landscape.
