Although quantitative criteria already exist on a global level, Smith says it is essential for each country to have its own method for listing endangered species. Quantitative criteria also would allow local non-government organizations to apply for international funding and get support for their cause. Right now, local organizations have no legs to stand on. But it could certainly put political heat on those people who are misusing the biological resources. To date, however, Smith has not found funding to actually present the workshop, even though the entire event has been planned down to the minute.
People are reluctant because they know the difficulties inherent to that area of the world.
Problems in the Central Asian Republics are the moldering fruit of communism and its downfall. Triplett was stationed in a Kazakstani village as a Peace Corps volunteer. She worked as an environmental advisor on a zapovednik. She found that she had to address social, cultural, and economic issues in order to solve ecological problems. Most are remnants of life under Soviet control.