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Environmental Risk

Uzbekistan Approves Controversial ‘Sea Breeze Project’ at Charvak Reservoir

The Uzbek government has approved the contentious “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” project at the Charvak reservoir in Tashkent region, despite vocal opposition from environmental activists and mounting public concern. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov signed Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 490, granting “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” LLC a 25-year direct lease on 577 hectares of land to develop a $5 billion all-season resort complex. Amid widespread protests, the Ministry of Ecology and the Ministry of Water Resources released back-to-back statements pledging strict government oversight throughout the project’s implementation. The Ministry of Ecology stated that it will supervise adherence to environmental legislation, including the monitoring of air quality, resource efficiency, and public health safeguards. The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and public engagement, stating: “Environmental protection remains an absolute priority for the state.” “The Ministry of Ecology will conduct continuous monitoring to identify any risks related to pollution, misuse of resources, or potential threats to citizens’ health,” the statement added. The Ministry of Water Resources affirmed that the Charvak reservoir will remain under full state control. It assured the public that all wastewater generated by the project will be diverted to a centralized treatment facility, with no discharge permitted into the reservoir. The ministry stated that construction will take place outside protected water zones and comply fully with sanitary and hydraulic engineering standards. Officials also noted that an inter-agency task force will conduct ongoing monitoring, with immediate responses promised in the event of any violations. Safeguarding drinking water and maintaining the reservoir’s water quality are described as “absolute priorities.” Despite assurances, the project continues to provoke heated debate under the viral hashtag #SaveChorvoq. Government officials have pledged strict oversight, but environmental groups remain skeptical as construction proceeds.

Electric Vehicles

South Korean Firm to Launch EV Charging Station Production in Kyrgyzstan

A new partnership between Kyrgyz and South Korean stakeholders aims to bring electric vehicle (EV) charging station manufacturing to Kyrgyzstan. The Public-Private Partnership Center under the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan, OJSC Chakan HPP, and South Korea’s BLUE NETWORKS CO., LTD., a company specializing in EV charging infrastructure, have signed a memorandum of cooperation to jointly implement the project. The agreement, reached under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, outlines plans to establish a local manufacturing facility and roll out a nationwide EV charging network in major cities and regions across the country. According to the PPP Center, the initiative is designed to support sustainable and environmentally friendly transport infrastructure, localize high-tech production, and create new employment opportunities. It also reflects Kyrgyzstan’s broader goals of modernizing its energy and transport sectors and strengthening international cooperation in green technologies. In a related move, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding in June with South Korean firms EVSIS, NGS, and the Korea Automobile Environment Association. That agreement focuses on developing EV charging infrastructure in Bishkek. The broader partnership also includes plans to collaborate with the Kyrgyz State Technical University to offer technical training and internship programs. Emphasis will be placed on building local expertise through industry-academic cooperation, particularly in the operation and maintenance of EV charging networks. The aim is to support the employment of young professionals and foster sustainable growth in the green tech sector. These initiatives are aligned with the Kyrgyz government’s strategy to promote eco-friendly transport alternatives and reduce air pollution in Bishkek and other major urban centers.

Transboundary Water

Transboundary Water Inflows Boost Lake Balkhash Levels

Kazakhstan received 10.2 billion cubic meters of water from China in the first half of 2025 through transboundary rivers, the country’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation announced. Of this total, 4.6 billion cubic meters were supplied via the Irtysh River and 5.6 billion cubic meters via the Ili River. The increased inflow from the Ili River has enabled the Kapchagay Reservoir in the Almaty region to reach full capacity for the second consecutive year. This marks a significant improvement, as 2024 was the first time in a decade the reservoir had filled completely. As a result, 8.52 billion cubic meters of water have been directed downstream to Lake Balkhash since the beginning of 2025. Located approximately 280 kilometers northwest of Almaty, Lake Balkhash is one of Asia’s largest inland lakes and ranks fifteenth globally by surface area. Due to improved water flows, the lake’s water level has risen by an average of 32 centimeters since January. The Ili River alone contributes nearly 70% of Lake Balkhash’s inflow, underscoring its critical importance to the lake’s ecological balance and water levels. Nagima Azhigulova, head of the Department of Water Cooperation with China and Russia at the Ministry, stressed the growing significance of bilateral water management efforts. “In March of this year, Kazakhstan and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on water cooperation for the first time,” she said. “The agreement focuses on the rational and sustainable use of water resources, the adoption of modern technologies, alternative water sourcing, experience-sharing, and joint training of specialists.” Three major rivers that flow through Kazakhstan, the Irtysh, Ili, and Emel, originate in China, highlighting the strategic importance of cross-border water diplomacy. A recent report by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), titled The Irtysh River Basin: Transboundary Challenges and Practical Solutions, offers an in-depth analysis of the Irtysh River’s role in regional water security. At 4,248 kilometers, the Irtysh is the world’s longest transboundary tributary and, along with the Ob River, forms the longest river system in Russia. Flowing from China through Kazakhstan and into Russia, the Irtysh plays a vital role for all three countries and requires close trilateral coordination to ensure the sustainable management of its resources.

Irrigation System

Kyrgyzstan Restores Irrigation System Amid Growing Water Demand

In the dry and hot year of 2025, Kyrgyz farmers received one billion cubic meters more water than in 2024, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry. Despite the challenging weather conditions, 7 billion cubic meters of water were delivered during the growing season, enabling the irrigation of over 1.1 million hectares of agricultural land. Chronic water shortages during the irrigation season have long plagued Kyrgyzstan's agriculture, frequently sparking disputes in rural areas. The primary cause is the aging irrigation infrastructure, much of it dating back to the Soviet era. Many canals are clogged or damaged, leading to significant water losses. In 2025, the ministry reported that 429.5 kilometers of canals were repaired and cleaned, alongside the restoration of 302 hydraulic structures, 123 water gauges, 91 pumping stations, and 156 pumping units. Nine units were fully replaced, and 53.5 kilometers of collector and drainage systems were cleaned. To modernize the network, the government plans to construct 106 daily and ten-day water regulation basins by 2030. These facilities are intended to improve water storage and distribution across farms. Ten basins have already been commissioned this year, with 12 more under construction. Officials are also combining modern and traditional solutions to address irrigation challenges. Sprinkler systems, popular in the 1980s, are being revived due to their efficiency, they require 500 to 1,000 cubic meters of water per hectare, compared to two to three times more with the traditional ary system. However, most farmers continue to rely on the ary method due to the high cost of sprinkler and drip irrigation equipment. According to the ministry, drip and sprinkler systems are now in use on 8,365 hectares: 1,702 hectares on state-owned land and 6,663 hectares on private farms. Restoration of old wells and construction of new canals also continue. This year, work began on a plant to manufacture concrete linings for irrigation canals, with a target of producing 500,000 square meters of concrete canal linings in 2025.

Tourism Development

Charvak Resort Plan Sparks Public Outcry in Uzbekistan

A proposed tourism development at Uzbekistan’s Charvak reservoir has drawn widespread public scrutiny following an announcement by Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov. The project, dubbed “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” envisions a vast resort complex covering 500 to 700 hectares and featuring hotels, cottages, pools, sports facilities, restaurants, retail outlets, a bridge across the reservoir, and event venues. Public reaction has been swift, with critics raising concerns over transparency and environmental impact. The hashtag #SaveChorvoq has gained traction as citizens question the lack of open consultation. Minister Calls for Transparency and Public Input Speaking at a July 23 press conference near the Charvak reservoir, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, addressed the mounting concerns. He clarified that the project has not yet been formally submitted to the government. “Frankly speaking, we’ve only heard about the project informally,” said Abdukhakimov, as quoted by Kun.uz. “That’s why we asked the investor to submit official documents. Once we receive them, our ministry, along with the Construction and Water Management Ministries, will conduct a thorough review.” Abdukhakimov urged the public not to rush to judgment. “Before saying no, let’s see what exactly is being proposed,” he stated. “Once the proposal is submitted, it will be opened for public discussion. No one can secretly approve this project overnight.” He emphasized that Agalarov was approached due to his track record of developing environmentally compliant projects in other countries. “Otherwise, he has many other offers,” the minister added, noting that Agalarov is also in talks with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Montenegro. Safeguards and Planning To mitigate environmental risks, Abdukhakimov proposed developing a master plan to delineate zones for recreation and conservation. “We suggest designating specific areas for modern recreation facilities while imposing a moratorium on construction in protected zones,” he said. “This approach ensures the entire shoreline won’t be overtaken by buildings.” Addressing rumors that construction has already begun, Abdukhakimov clarified that only minor landscaping work has taken place to create a model beach area with umbrellas and leveled ground. “This is not major construction,” he stressed. On reports that a sales office had opened in Tashkent, Abdukhakimov explained it is linked to Agalarov’s existing Sea Breeze project in Baku, Azerbaijan. “They cannot sell anything in Uzbekistan yet because they don’t own land here and no project has been approved,” he said. Land Ownership and Oversight Jo'rabek Ahmedov, governor of the Bostanlyk district where Charvak is located, confirmed that most of the proposed site consists of public reserve land, along with some farmland and plots managed by the forestry service. “Around 100 hectares are under consideration for the first phase,” he said. “But nothing official has been submitted yet.” Deputy Construction Minister Davronjon Odilov reassured that there are no plans to build within local villages. “Future development will be guided by a comprehensive master plan that aligns with design and environmental standards,” he said. Officials have committed to full transparency and public participation once the project proposal is formally submitted for review.

Water

Kyrgyzstan Moves to Address Falling Water Levels in Lake Issyk-Kul

Kyrgyzstan is stepping up efforts to combat the declining water level of Lake Issyk-Kul, a critical ecological and economic resource, as the effects of climate change intensify. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources Bakyt Torobaev raised the issue at a government meeting this week, highlighting a combination of shrinking glaciers, reduced precipitation, and inefficient water use, particularly in agriculture, as key contributing factors. Lake Issyk-Kul, located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, is the country’s largest lake and a vital component of the regional climate system. It also supports biodiversity and tourism. Torobaev warned that the continued decline in water levels could have far-reaching environmental, economic, and social consequences. Strategic Measures to Stabilize the Lake To address the crisis, Torobaev proposed a set of comprehensive interventions requiring cooperation between government agencies, scientists, local communities, and civil society. Key initiatives include: Modernizing irrigation systems and introducing water-saving technologies; Expanding green areas across the Issyk-Kul region; Enhancing research on glaciers and water resources; Developing long-term climate adaptation strategies. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, water diversion for agricultural irrigation, particularly outside the lake basin, was identified by experts at the 2024 National Water Forum as one of the primary threats to Issyk-Kul’s sustainability. Government Investment and Monitoring In response, the Kyrgyz government has pledged $392 million toward efforts to stabilize the lake’s water level. This includes $200 million dedicated to installing modern irrigation systems across 100,000 hectares of farmland. An additional investment will fund the deployment of 2,200 automated sensors to monitor water consumption in real time. Authorities expect these measures to return up to 200 million cubic meters of water to the lake, helping to mitigate the decline and protect Issyk-Kul's long-term ecological balance.