Kyrgyzstan - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan: EU Holds Training Workshops on Sanctions Against Russia

As reported by the press and information team of the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, on November 9th and 10th, the European Union organized training workshops in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on EU sanctions against Russia, with support from the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC), and the Association of Certified Sanctions Specialists (ACSS). The primary aim of the workshops was to raise awareness of EU sanctions and their application, and to prevent possible circumvention of these measures. On the 9th, the meeting saw government officials gather, whilst the second day was dedicated to a workshop which targeted private operators in Kyrgyzstan interested in improving their awareness of EU sanctions. “I am delighted that so many people from the Kyrgyz authorities and the private sector chose to attend the EU Sanctions Training Seminar this week”, said the acting Head of the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, Ms Lene Volkersen. “It has been great to witness the strong Kyrgyz interest in understanding how EU sanctions work. The ultimate goal of the EU’s sanctions against Russia is to undermine its ability to continue waging war against Ukraine, and we welcome that Kyrgyzstan is not willing to be used as a platform for sanctions circumvention. We look forward to continuing this dialogue with government authorities, as well as private sector”. The training workshops were conducted by a team of EU representatives and sanctions experts, and consisted of presentations and interactive question and answer sessions.

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EDB Proposes Ten Steps to Preserve Irrigated Land Potential and Support Water Conservation in Central Asia

As outlined in a press release on the EDB website, in the summer of 2023, Central Asia was faced once again with water shortages, which have a significant impact on agriculture. The sector relies on irrigation, which consumes up to 80% of available water, and has a poor track record with regard to the efficient use of water resources. The irrigation infrastructure is over 50 years old. More than half of all irrigated land has become salinized, and 40% of water is lost through irrigation canals. A new Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) study entitled “Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia” outlines ten practical steps for preserving irrigated land potential and promoting water conservation. The list includes four recommendations for adoption at a regional level and six at a national level. The measures are designed to save enough water each year to support sustainable development. Implementing the measures will require collaboration between governments, farmers and multilateral development institutions. The need for urgent action is intensified by the anticipated reduction in the flow of the Amu Darya River. Water deficit is a key structural constraint to socio-economic development in Central Asia. This region is among the most vulnerable to climate change, with temperatures rising at a faster rate than the global average. Periods of drought and low water are becoming more frequent, and the hydrological patterns of rivers and groundwater supplies are undergoing change. Glacier areas have been diminishing rapidly, with a 30% decrease over the last 50 years. Climate change is leading to reduced river flows at a time when the region’s demand for water is growing rapidly. The primary solution to the water deficit lies in improving irrigation practices. Agriculture in Central Asia is the largest consumer of water, with irrigation accounting for 100.4 km3 of the total 127.3 km3 (80%) of water used in the region in 2020. Historically, irrigation has played a vital role in developing agriculture and ensuring food security in the region. Central Asia boasts 10.1 million hectares of irrigated land, representing approximately 2.9% of the world’s total. This irrigated land generates nearly 66% of the region’s gross agricultural output in terms of value. However, Central Asia’s irrigation infrastructure is highly degraded and technically inadequate. It lacks the equipment needed for metering and distributing water for irrigation and controlling its use in the field. The average age of the irrigation infrastructure is over 50 years. Up to half of irrigated land is salinized. Water use in agriculture is inefficient, with 40% of water lost in the irrigation canal system. A commitment to conserving water appears to be the only solution to protecting the potential of irrigated land and food security in Central Asia. This shift in approach is imperative not only because of climate change and escalating water demand, but also to mitigate the anticipated decrease in the flow of the Amu Darya River from Afghanistan. By 2028, the combined effects of climate change, low-water periods and the commissioning of the Kosh-Tepa Canal in...

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World Bank Announces New Country Partnership Framework for Kyrgyzstan

In a press release on its website, on October 31st the World Bank announced a new five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for the Kyrgyz Republic that defines the strategic focus of the World Bank’s engagement with the country around job creation, natural resource management, and improving human capital outcomes. The CPF lays out a selective and flexible program for World Bank assistance. “The World Bank has been a trusted partner of the Kyrgyz Republic for the last 30 years”, said Kyrgyz Republic’s Minister of Finance, Almaz Baketaev. “The new Country Partnership Framework responds to the Kyrgyz Republic’s National Development Strategy to 2040 and the National Development Program for 2022-2026. The new partnership strategy will reinforce the efforts of the Cabinet of Ministers to modernize the economy, promote inclusive growth, and build a more prosperous future for all”. “The World Bank is proud to support the Kyrgyz Republic’s ambitious and well-articulated reform agenda”, said Tatiana Proskuryakova, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Central Asia. “Under our new Country Partnership Framework, we will support the country’s economic transformation with policy advice, technical assistance, and planned project financing of around $500 million. New investments will focus on the key priority sectors of energy, water, and agriculture to create a better and more sustainable future for the citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic”. The new CPF is centered around three core pillars aimed at delivering tangible development outcomes: increasing private sector-led job creation; improving access to sustainably managed natural resources, and enhancing human capital and economic empowerment of vulnerable population groups. The CPF also includes a strong focus on key global challenges including strengthening climate resilience and reducing emissions; closing the gender gap; supporting jobs and economic transformation; strengthening institutions; and reducing fragility risk. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors also approved $5 million for the technical assistance of Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant Project. This assistance aims to support the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic in updating the Feasibility Study of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) Project, enhancing its environmental and social sustainability, and strengthening its financial and commercial frameworks. Kambarata-1 HPP is expected to be among the most cost-effective projects for expanding clean energy resources across the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia. It has the potential to address the country’s energy security challenges, generating significant revenues from energy exports whilst also improving downstream HPP operations and water management. “The Kambarata-1 HPP is a critically important project that has the potential to bring huge benefits in clean energy generation, regional cooperation, water security, and environmental safeguards across Central Asia”, said World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, Tatiana Proskuryakova. “The World Bank’s technical assistance will help the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic use the country’s abundant hydropower potential for the benefit of the people and region, while strengthening the governance and financial sustainability of the energy sector”. “Kambarata-1 is a transformative greenfield regional hydropower project that will power the clean energy future of the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia”, added World Bank Country Manager for the Kyrgyz Republic, Naveed Hassan Naqvi. “This...

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WFP and Switzerland to Strengthen Rural Communities’ Resilience to Extreme Weather

As outlined in a release on its website, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, with financial support from the Government of Switzerland, is launching the Weather Index-Based Insurance Pilot Project, an initiative aiming to strengthen the resilience of rural communities to extreme weather-related risks and shocks. The project, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and other line ministries, will integrate climate and disaster risk financing into national social protection systems. Developed in collaboration with international experts and piloted in three districts of the mountainous Naryn province - Jumgal, Ak-Talaa and Naryn – the insurance project aims to assist local governments in protecting livestock farmers from extreme weather events, such as low fodder availability in pastures and the high price of fodder during extreme winters and drought. Based on the pilot results, it will be expanded to other priority regions. “The Kyrgyz Republic, with its beautiful landscapes and natural wonders, is unfortunately no stranger to the impacts of extreme climate and the accompanying risks. The vulnerability of this region calls for immediate action, and it is inspiring to see the proactive measures being taken to mitigate risks associated with the changing climate and enhance the resilience of local communities,” says Kojiro Nakai, WFP Kyrgyz Republic Representative and Country Director. “The Government of Switzerland’s funding this vital project demonstrates our joint commitment towards creating a sustainable and resilient future for the country.” Under the 2023 pilot, the project will be rolled out during the extreme summer period. The pilot will insure local governments against drought for a maximum sum of around US$ 1.2 million, with an estimated premium amounting to US$ 200,000. The insurance coverage is expected to benefit 4,500 smallholders from vulnerable communities. This initiative marks a significant step forward in building climate resilience within the Kyrgyz Republic. By leveraging international expertise and collaboration, WFP and its partners are actively engaged towards reducing vulnerability and exposure to shocks, by strengthening the adaptive capacities of rural communities.

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Blogger and Activists Placed in Pretrial Detention Following Protest over Drinking Water

As reported by RFE/RL on July 18th, the Sokuluk district court in northern Kyrgyzstan has ordered the detention of prominent blogger Ertai Iskakov along with activists Bakyt Balbaev and Baktybek Bekbolotov until September 15. Their detention relates to a recent demonstration held by two villages urging the restoration of drinking water supplies. The charges against the men include hooliganism and the unlawful obstruction of a highway. Lawyers representing the men informed said that their clients pleaded not guilty. Iskakov, a well-known blogger recognized for addressing social issues in his content. Several villages in close proximity to Bishkek, the capital, have encountered prolonged shortages in drinking water supplies.

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Promoting Sustainable Development in Central Asia: Key Highlights from the Eurasian Development Bank’s Roundtable

According to a press release issued by the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), on November 16th, 2023, Almaty, Kazakhstan, served as the venue for a critical roundtable hosted by the EDB, titled "Promoting Sustainable Development in Central Asia". This gathering saw the participation of representatives from a wide range of international organizations and multilateral development banks. Attendees included the likes of the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, FAO, UNIDO, UNEP, ESCAP, UNDP, the World Health Organisation, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and CICA. The agenda was packed with discussions revolving around irrigation, water challenges, environmental and social standards of international financial institutions, and case studies that showcased collaborations in project implementation12. The EDB's latest report, "Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia", was introduced during the roundtable's first session. Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of the EDB Management Board, underscored the essential interrelationship between water, food, and energy in Central Asia. He declared the development of the region’s water and energy resources as a strategic priority for the EDB. He also expressed concerns over an impending water deficit in Central Asia within the next five years, urging for collective action supported by multilateral development banks3. Tatiana Proskuryakova, the Regional Director for Central Asia at the World Bank, also spoke at the event. She emphasized the importance of sustainable development in Central Asia to international organizations and multilateral financial institutions. She revealed that the World Bank has allocated approximately a quarter of its $12 billion investment portfolio in Central Asia to water, energy, and environmental sectors. This proportion is expected to rise to almost half in the near future4. Following this, Evgeny Vinokurov, EDB Chief Economist, presented the study "Efficient Irrigation and Water Conservation in Central Asia". He proposed a ten-step solution to address the prevalent issues. The steps include establishing an International Water and Energy Consortium; fostering collaboration among multilateral banks; creating a regional cluster to produce irrigation equipment; consolidating efforts to strengthen cooperation with Afghanistan; using PPP instruments; instituting proper water accounting; gradually integrating investment charges into the tariff structure; improving land conditions; implementing digital technology, and leveraging state-of-the-art irrigation technology and laser levelling.