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Environment

Kyrgyzstan to Plant 10 Million Trees in Issyk-Kul via Carbon Credit Initiative

Kyrgyzstan is set to launch Central Asia’s first large-scale tree-planting project funded through carbon credits, in a landmark move toward reducing its carbon footprint and expanding its role in global climate finance. The ambitious initiative aims to plant over 10 million trees across 25,000 hectares in the Issyk-Kul region, with the potential to attract up to $180 million in climate financing. The project was discussed on April 8 during a meeting between Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Chairman of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, and representatives of Valor Carbon, a UK-based firm specializing in climate finance. It will be implemented through the sale of carbon credits, officially marking Kyrgyzstan’s entry into international green finance markets. According to Valor Carbon, this will be the largest initiative of its kind in Central Asia and could unlock new opportunities in sectors such as transportation, food processing, hospitality, beekeeping, and eco-tourism. The new program aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s broader environmental campaign, Jashyl Muras (Green Heritage), launched by President Sadyr Japarov in March 2022. The campaign envisions planting 5-6 million saplings annually nationwide. In 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision reported that 8,167,000 saplings were planted as part of the initiative, with a survival rate of 64%.

Renewable Energy

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan Partner on Caspian Green Energy Corridor

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have signed a landmark agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to advance a regional renewable energy initiative known as the Caspian Green Energy Corridor. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on April 5 in Baku, outlines plans for a feasibility study to assess the project's potential. The primary objective is to establish a robust legal and institutional framework that will facilitate cross-border electricity trade among the three countries, particularly from renewable sources. The Caspian Green Energy Corridor is part of ADB’s broader regional strategy to promote clean energy and enhance multilateral cooperation. The initiative aims to interconnect the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, enabling them to share and distribute renewable electricity more efficiently. “This agreement lays the foundation for deeper cooperation and shows our shared commitment to building a clean energy future,” said Yevgeniy Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia. A key ambition of the project is to develop a green energy supply route from the Caspian region to Europe via the Black Sea Cable. The corridor is expected to improve energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and support economic development across the region. The initiative is also backed by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program, which brings together 11 countries and several development partners to promote regional integration and reduce poverty through economic collaboration.

EU-Central Asia Summit

European Investment Bank Commits €365 Million to Environmental Projects in Central Asia

At the first EU-Central Asia Summit, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on April 4, European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris signed four memorandums of understanding with partners in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The agreements will direct €365 million in funding and are expected to unlock up to €1 billion in investment for sustainable transport, water management, and climate resilience initiatives across the region. The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union. These agreements support the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to boost private sector development, improve transport and logistics infrastructure, and strengthen water management and environmental sustainability throughout Central Asia. In Kyrgyzstan, the EIB will provide €50 million through the Kyrgyzstan State Development Bank to support infrastructure investments via the National Promotional Bank. Tajikistan will receive €100 million to develop sustainable transport infrastructure along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. In Uzbekistan, €175 million will be allocated to the Uzbekistan Water Implementation Center for water management and environmental sustainability projects, particularly under the Aral Sea Project, in collaboration with the French Development Agency (AFD). Additionally, Uzbekistan’s JSCB Microcredit bank will receive €40 million to bolster private sector development and to enable local financing for projects that contribute to sustainable transport and logistics connectivity. During the summit, Kakouris also signed a Host Country Agreement with Uzbekistan, establishing an EIB Regional Representation in the country to enhance the Bank’s presence in Central Asia. The EIB further announced the launch of negotiations for a framework agreement with Turkmenistan, signaling plans to begin operations there. “These agreements underscore the European Union and Central Asia’s shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation,” said Kakouris. “As the EU’s bank, the EIB will continue playing a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties, promoting sustainability and private sector development, and enhancing infrastructure across the region. The memorandums of understanding pave the way for future financing in the transport and water sectors. Moreover, the Host Country Agreement with Uzbekistan and the launch of negotiations with Turkmenistan mark important milestones for the EU’s growing engagement in Central Asia.”

Ecology

Russian Eco-Blogger to Fund Forest Restoration in Northern Kazakhstan

A major reforestation campaign will launch later this month on the northwestern outskirts of Petropavlovsk, near the Voroniy Island neighborhood, to restore forestland damaged by fire. Approximately 10,000 trees will be planted with the help of local residents, volunteers, and activists. The initiative is fully financed by Russian eco-blogger Alexei Sibirsky. Grassroots Support and Cross-Border Solidarity The project was initiated by concerned residents of Petropavlovsk. Local activist Dinara Omurzakova reached out to Sibirsky after learning of his successful reforestation work around Semey, in the east of the country. Sibirsky responded positively, agreeing not only to fund the purchase of seedlings and soil preparation but also to take part in the planting personally. “I had been following Alexei for a long time. When I saw that he was involved in a similar project in East Kazakhstan, I wrote to him, and he agreed to come to us,” Omurzakova said. Eco-Activism Without Borders Alexei Sibirsky is among the most prominent Russian-speaking environmental bloggers, with a following in the millions. His initiatives span multiple countries, focusing on reforestation and the clean-up of water bodies. He funds these efforts through advertising and income from his eco-services platform, which offers tree planting and environmental clean-up. Sibirsky began his environmental mission following a life-changing accident. Since then, he has implemented green projects worldwide, including several in Kazakhstan. In 2022, after Russia’s partial mobilization, he relocated to Uralsk with his family. As a gesture of gratitude for the city's hospitality, he organized a clean-up along the Ural River. In 2024, he participated in a river clean-up in Almaty. A Collective Effort Toward a Greener Future The Petropavlovsk campaign will be the largest privately supported environmental initiative to date in the North Kazakhstan region. The local forestry authority will manage land preparation, while regional environmentalists, including activist Timur Zveryachenko, are also involved. Organizers are inviting community members to join the planting on April 26 and 27. “Every resident of our city can participate with their family and children. If this event is successful, we’ll definitely do it again,” said Omurzakova. Reforestation as a Strategic Priority North Kazakhstan region has one of the lowest forest coverage rates in the country, just 5.5%. The regional akimat (council) manages over 550,000 hectares of forest land. Since 2021, the region has been implementing a long-term reforestation program that runs through 2027, aiming to plant 122 million seedlings across 20,000 hectares. From 2021 to 2023 alone, 28.2 million trees were planted. The Voroniy Island reforestation effort is not just a standalone event but part of a broader strategy to tackle one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges. Support from both grassroots activists and private benefactors adds critical momentum to these efforts.

Environment

Uzbekistan Launches $153 Million Forest Restoration Project with World Bank Support

Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the World Bank, has launched a major initiative to restore forests and rehabilitate degraded lands across the country. The Uzbekistan Resilient Landscapes Restoration Project (RESILAND) was officially announced during the Samarkand Climate Forum on April 5. The World Bank will provide $153 million in funding, consisting of a combination of low-interest loans and grants. This initiative forms part of a broader regional strategy aimed at combating land degradation and enhancing climate resilience throughout Central Asia. RESILAND will initially target six provinces: Samarkand, Surkhandarya, Syrdarya, Jizzakh, Namangan, and Kashkadarya. Its objectives include forest restoration, improved land management, and the creation of new jobs through afforestation and nature-based business ventures. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Aziz Abdukhakimov, emphasized that the project will play a critical role in helping the country achieve its goal of expanding forested areas to 6.1 million hectares by 2030. “The project will also support food systems, infrastructure, and nature tourism,” he said. Currently, only 10.6% of Uzbekistan’s territory is forested. In recent years, the government has intensified efforts to increase forest cover, particularly on the desiccated seabed of the Aral Sea. Tatiana Proskuryakova, World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, welcomed the initiative, noting, “The World Bank values the opportunity to support the government of Uzbekistan in its efforts to restore degraded lands.” As part of the project, Uzbekistan plans to rehabilitate forests on 176,000 hectares, improve pasture conditions, combat soil erosion in mountainous regions, and develop agroforestry and industrial forest sectors. An additional 5,000 hectares will be allocated for the cultivation of medicinal plants. RESILAND will also provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises, offer training for local farmers, and promote eco-tourism in protected areas. The initiative includes plans to improve the infrastructure of the Forestry Agency and to launch Uzbekistan’s first National Forest Inventory. A new partnership between the Forestry Agency and the Green University near Tashkent will further use grant funding to advance forestry education and research. The project is part of the wider RESILAND CA+ program, which encompasses similar initiatives in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Water

Kazakhstan to Receive 3.7 Billion Cubic Meters of Syr Darya Water in 2025

In the 2025 irrigation season, Kazakhstan is set to receive approximately 3.7 billion cubic meters of water via the Syr Darya River. The agreement was finalized during negotiations involving officials from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The deal was reached at the 89th meeting of the Interstate Water Commission of Central Asia, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. As part of the agreement, Kazakhstan will receive 909 million cubic meters of water through the interstate Dostyk Canal during the irrigation period. Additionally, 975 million cubic meters are slated for transfer to the Northern Aral Sea. “We began negotiations last year, we must prepare for the water season in advance, particularly in the southern regions where every drop counts. All water from the Syr Darya will be collected in the Shardara Reservoir and directed toward agricultural needs. At present, we are channeling floodwaters into lakes and rivers and storing them in reservoirs,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. A day earlier, Nurzhigitov also addressed a climate forum in Samarkand. He noted that Uzbekistan had supplied 12.6 billion cubic meters of water to Kazakhstan from October of last year through April 1, exceeding the planned amount by 1.7 billion cubic meters. Earlier reporting by The Times of Central Asia highlighted that eight regions in Kazakhstan face a heightened risk of spring flooding.