Kyrgyzstan Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

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Mountains

Kyrgyzstan Elected First Vice-Chair of UN Mountain Partnership

Kyrgyzstan has been elected First Vice-Chair of the Steering Committee of the Mountain Partnership for the 2026-2030 period, reflecting its continued engagement in advancing the global mountain agenda. Founded in 2002, the Mountain Partnership is a United Nations alliance of governments and organizations aimed at improving the livelihoods of mountain communities and protecting mountain ecosystems. The initiative was established by the governments of Italy and Switzerland, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization, which hosts the partnership’s secretariat. The new Steering Committee was elected during the 7th Global Meeting of the Mountain Partnership, held from March 26 to 28 in Andorra under the theme “Mountains for the Future: Responsible Tourism, Thriving Communities.” The meeting brought together representatives from Germany, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Italy, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as officials from international organizations including FAO, UN Tourism, UNESCO, the OSCE, UNEP, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Italy, the partnership’s main donor, retained its position as Chair. Kyrgyzstan was represented by Dinara Kemelova, the president’s special representative for the mountain agenda, who called for stronger coordination among mountain countries to advance shared priorities on global platforms. Kemelova also announced that the second “Bishkek+25” Global Mountain Summit will be held in Kyrgyzstan from October 21 to 23, 2027. She highlighted the country’s implementation of the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023-2027), with a focus on ecotourism and organic production. An exhibition of Kyrgyz mountain products was also organized on the sidelines of the meeting. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Andorra Declaration, a strategic document aimed at strengthening international commitment to sustainable mountain development. The declaration recognizes the role of mountains in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security, while also highlighting their vulnerability to global environmental impacts. Mountains cover around one quarter of the Earth’s land surface and are home to approximately 1.2 billion people, while also encompassing 25 of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. The document outlines several priority areas, including promoting sustainable tourism as a key economic driver for mountain regions, increasing climate and environmental financing, strengthening research and scientific cooperation, and supporting local communities, including women, youth, and indigenous groups. It also emphasizes the need to improve connectivity in mountain areas, reduce the digital divide, and enhance resilience to natural hazards through early warning systems and adapted infrastructure.

Climate Change

Melting Glaciers Becoming an Increasing Threat to Central Asia’s Resources

Glacier melt in Central Asia is becoming increasingly critical, posing risks to water resources, economic stability, and regional security. In response, countries in the region are strengthening coordination and launching new scientific and policy initiatives. According to the UN, glaciers in the world’s mountainous regions are shrinking at an unprecedented rate. Rising temperatures are leading to a longer warm season and a shorter winter, accelerating the process of degradation. Glaciers remain a key element of the global water system: they account for about 70% of freshwater reserves, and nearly two billion people depend directly on these resources. In addition, they perform an important climatic function by reflecting solar radiation and limiting the warming of the Earth’s surface. Central Asia is already facing the consequences of climate change. The region is under increasing pressure from rising temperatures, droughts, and dust storms. Tajikistan remains particularly vulnerable. According to President Emomali Rahmon, of the approximately 14,000 glaciers that the country once had, more than 1,000 have already disappeared, and their total volume has shrunk by nearly a third. Yet it is these glaciers that account for over 60% of the region’s water resources. In Kyrgyzstan, the area of glaciers has decreased by approximately 16% over the past 50-70 years. President Sadyr Japarov previously warned that, if current trends continue, a significant portion of them could disappear by the end of the 21st century, posing a threat to millions of residents in the region. In response to the growing crisis, at Tajikistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Conservation. The official launch took place on March 21 in New York and coincided with the first World Glacier Day. At an international conference in Dushanbe, the Dushanbe Declaration was adopted, expressing concern over the accelerated loss of glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost. The document highlights the potentially “irreversible consequences” for ecosystems and the economy. The five countries of Central Asia are also developing joint adaptation mechanisms. Key measures include monitoring the condition of glaciers, creating a unified regional registry, and coordinating water policy.

Environment

Kyrgyz Retailers Prepare for Gradual Phase-Out of Plastic

Pressure is increasing on businesses in Kyrgyzstan to reduce their use of plastic. However, judging by the government’s latest initiatives, the transition to new environmental standards is expected to be gradual and shaped by compromise. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has announced the launch of the “Green Entrepreneur” platform, through which companies willing to phase out plastic can obtain official recognition. The initiative comes alongside preparations for large-scale restrictions on the use of plastic bags, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Although a full ban has not yet been introduced, several major retailers have already begun reducing their use of plastic bags and bottles. Both domestic companies and international brands are participating in the process. According to the ministry, the government and the business community have agreed on a series of joint measures that are expected to reshape the packaging market in the coming years. First Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Zhenish Seydaliev described plastic pollution as a global challenge, stressing that Kyrgyzstan has the potential to take a leading role in addressing the issue at the regional level. “Only joint cooperation will lead to sustainable business development that incorporates environmental responsibility and high standards of corporate governance,” he said. One of the key instruments under discussion is the introduction of separate waste collection systems. Authorities are encouraging businesses to incentivize consumers to return plastic bottles and aluminum cans by installing reverse vending machines, automated devices that offer bonuses or refunds. Such machines are expected to appear in retail chains, markets, fuel stations, food courts, and educational institutions. At the same time, companies are being urged to switch to biodegradable packaging, a move that would require significant adjustments to logistics and operational processes. The ministry emphasizes that the reforms are not limited to banning specific products but are aimed at a broader transformation of consumption patterns. At the same time, the final regulatory framework remains under discussion. Earlier proposals from the Cabinet of Ministers suggested abandoning a complete ban on plastic products from 2027. Under a draft law currently undergoing public consultation, certain plastic products may continue to be permitted provided they comply with the Eurasian Economic Union’s technical regulation on packaging safety. This approach reflects an effort to balance environmental objectives with economic considerations. Some restrictions are already being implemented at the regional level. The Issyk-Kul region has introduced a ban on plastic bags, which is being treated as a pilot project for potential nationwide reforms. Nevertheless, significant structural challenges remain. Plastic is estimated to account for up to one quarter of all waste in Kyrgyzstan’s landfills. Domestic production meets only around 15% of demand, with the remainder imported primarily from China, Iran, and Kazakhstan.

Air Pollution

Report Reveals Persistently High Air Pollution Levels in Bishkek and Osh

Air pollution remains one of Kyrgyzstan’s most serious environmental challenges, particularly in the cities of Bishkek and Osh, where coal-based heating and motor vehicle emissions are identified as the main sources of pollution, according to a report by the environmental organisation MoveGreen. The study, covering the period from December 2024 to November 2025, found that Bishkek experienced between 118 and 120 days during which concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeded permissible limits. Average annual levels were estimated at between 44 and 47 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly above the World Health Organization’s recommended guideline of 5 micrograms per cubic meter. Air quality in the capital shows strong seasonal variation. Pollution levels rise sharply during winter due to increased coal consumption for heating and the accumulation of emissions linked to the city’s geographical setting. As a result, Bishkek has frequently ranked among the world’s most polluted urban areas in international air quality monitoring indices. In Osh, pollution patterns were described as more stable but still concerning. Elevated PM2.5 levels were recorded for 159 days during the study period, nearly half the year. The city’s average annual concentration reached 74 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding international health recommendations. The report’s authors also noted that concentrations of other pollutants, including nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, tend to increase during warmer months. Among the key recommendations outlined in the study are a gradual transition to cleaner heating sources, expansion and modernisation of public transport systems, measures to reduce dust pollution in urban areas, and improvements in air quality monitoring infrastructure.

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Plans $10 Million Animal Vaccine Plant to Strengthen Livestock Sector

Kyrgyzstan is planning to build a modern animal vaccine production facility as part of broader efforts to improve disease prevention and support the development of its livestock sector. The project was discussed on March 17 during a meeting between Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov and representatives of Altyn Tamyr Joint-Stock Company. Altyn Tamyr is currently the country’s only producer of veterinary biopreparations, supplying the domestic market and exporting products to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan. Akunbekov described the planned facility as a strategic initiative and instructed officials to ensure that construction and commissioning proceed as quickly as possible. Preliminary estimates put the cost of the project at approximately $10 million. The government is expected to support the initiative through preferential financing and by creating favorable conditions for investors. Officials say the plant will help strengthen veterinary safety standards and improve productivity in the livestock sector. Once operational, it is also expected to enable Kyrgyzstan not only to meet domestic demand for veterinary vaccines but also to expand exports. The project comes amid continued growth in the country’s livestock population. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, as of the end of 2024 Kyrgyzstan had 1,828,527 head of cattle, an increase of 1.5% compared with the previous year, including 918,638 cows, up 1.8%. The number of sheep and goats reached 6,282,810, a year-on-year increase of 1.1%, while the horse population grew by 2% to 553,531 head. Poultry numbers rose more sharply, increasing by 10.5% to 7,724,314. To obtain more precise data, Kyrgyzstan plans to conduct a nationwide agricultural census from March 20 to April 10, 2026. Experts note that strengthening veterinary infrastructure will be crucial for sustaining growth in the livestock sector and expanding the country’s agricultural exports.

Sustainable Energy

Kyrgyzstan Seeks Climate Finance and Carbon Market Funding to Cut Emissions

Kyrgyzstan is preparing to sign a carbon project aimed at supporting the country’s transition to sustainable energy. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Taalaibek Ibrayev following a meeting with World Bank Country Manager for Kyrgyzstan Hugh Riddell on March 13. The initiative will be supported by the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF), a World Bank trust fund designed to help developing countries introduce market-based carbon pricing mechanisms and attract private investment in low-carbon technologies. TCAF provides a hybrid financing model that combines climate finance with carbon market funding. Payments are made only after verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are achieved. The project is being implemented under the Innovative Finance for Resilient and Sustainable Energy Transition (iFIRST) program. According to Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy, it will use a results-based payment mechanism, meaning that emission reductions must first be measured and independently verified before financial compensation is disbursed. If the reductions are confirmed, Kyrgyzstan could receive up to $4.5 million in climate finance to support its commitments under the Paris Agreement. The initiative may also attract up to $5.5 million in additional funding through carbon market mechanisms. The project includes technical assistance grants of up to $1.5 million to strengthen the institutional capacity of government agencies, develop a national system for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, and establish a national carbon unit registry. Officials say the initiative will help advance reforms in Kyrgyzstan’s energy sector, strengthen the country’s climate policy framework, and increase access to international climate finance. It is also expected to contribute to environmental sustainability, modernization of the energy sector, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In July 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in the Kyrgyz Republic. The strategy outlines a phased transition toward a carbon-neutral economy, focusing on key sectors including energy, transport, industry, agriculture, waste management, and forestry. The concept prioritizes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, restoring forest ecosystems, adopting innovative technologies, and integrating climate risks into national planning. The government views the initiative as a foundation for attracting climate finance, creating green jobs, and ensuring long-term environmental security. Under the strategy, Kyrgyzstan has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030. Despite these ambitions, the country’s overall emissions remain relatively low, accounting for less than 0.032% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In October 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Technical Supervision published Kyrgyzstan’s first Biennial Transparency Report. According to the document, total greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 reached 19.38 million tons of CO₂ equivalent. Forests, soils, and other ecosystems absorbed 10.31 million tons, resulting in net emissions of 9.07 million tons. The energy sector remains the largest source of emissions, accounting for more than half of the total. Agriculture is the second-largest contributor, largely driven by livestock production. At the same time, emissions from transport, electricity generation, and heating have declined significantly since the early 1990s due to the adoption of cleaner technologies and...