Wikimedia CEE Hub/Microgrants/report/Photographic Expedition to Iskanderkul for Wiki Loves Earth 2025 (Tajikistan)
- By: Зинҳор Насрӣ
Photographic Expedition to Iskanderkul for Wiki Loves Earth 2025 (Tajikistan) The expedition took place throughout June 2025 in the Sughd region of Tajikistan, focusing on the Iskanderkul Nature Reserve, one of the country’s most iconic and ecologically significant locations. The initiative was organized by the Tajik Wikimedians User Group as part of the international Wiki Loves Earth 2025 photography contest.
The goal of the expedition was to document Tajikistan’s rich natural landscapes, flora, and fauna by capturing freely licensed images and uploading them to Wikimedia Commons, making them accessible for global educational and encyclopedic use.
A team of five members—including experienced photographers, Wikimedia editors, and logistics coordinators—participated in the fieldwork. The group included:
- Zinhor Nasri – Project leader, logistics and research assistant
- Ibrohim Kurbanov – New Wikimedian and influencer
- Shavkat Ahmadov – New Wikimedian, PR and community support
- Shodonjon Sultonov – Professional photographer and journalist
- Zolfeqar Fatihzadeh – Remote coordinator and Commons categorization support
During the expedition, the team visited 10–15 key natural landmarks and photographed 3–5 major natural objects per day. In total, over 800 high-quality images were captured and uploaded to Wikimedia Commons with accurate geotags and multilingual descriptions in Tajik and English. Relevant Commons categories were improved or created, and the content was linked to Wikipedia articles and Wikidata items.
Educational and Outreach Impact
While the expedition itself focused on fieldwork and photography, the team also used this opportunity to:
- Mentor new Wikimedians in the field
- Raise awareness among local communities and nature authorities about the role of free knowledge
- Promote the use of Wikimedia Commons in Tajikistan’s educational and environmental sectors
- Encourage future contributions to Wikimedia projects by showing practical impact
Main Outcomes
- Over +500 freely licensed images uploaded to Commons
- 90%+ of the images include full descriptions and geolocation
- 5–10 Commons categories created or significantly improved
- Strengthened collaboration between Wikimedians, photographers, and environmentalists
- Promoted the beauty of Tajikistan’s nature globally
- Motivated new volunteers to join Wikimedia efforts in the region
The expedition not only filled a content gap but also set a model for future Wikimedia-led nature documentation initiatives in Central Asia. The blend of environmental engagement, skill development, and Wikimedia contribution made it a valuable experience for both participants and the wider community.
- Financial report
| Expense type | Expense details | Number of Units | Unit Price | Expense Total |
| Travel | Round-trip transport from Dushanbe to Iskanderkul (shared for 4 people) | 1 | €260 | €260 |
| Accommodation | 2 nights × 4 people = 8 nights | 8 | €20.62 | €165 |
| Food and beverages | Meals × 4 people for 2 days = 8 meals | 8 | €21.87 | €175 |
| Photography equipment, communication & permits | Shared use (batteries, memory cards, park entrance fees, internet, etc.) | 1 | €50 | €50 |
| Contingency | Unexpected shared costs | 1 | €50 | €50 |
| TOTAL | 700.00 | |||
- Achieved metrics
Our metrics were based on internal evaluations and post-expedition debriefs within the team. All participants confirmed the successful completion of the project’s objectives, including the number of images captured, quality of content uploaded to Wikimedia Commons, and engagement with new contributors. The team expressed high satisfaction with the organization, logistics, and overall impact of the expedition. Lessons learned and improvement points have been documented for future activities.
- Additional information
We extend our sincere gratitude to the CEE Hub for their generous support and funding. Your contribution was essential in making this expedition possible and impactful. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us promote Tajikistan’s natural heritage through free knowledge.