Ak Ilbirs Ecological Corridor snow leopard Biodiversity Wildlife Conservation

Kyrgyzstan Establishes Ecological Corridor to Protect Snow Leopards and Biodiversity

Kyrgyzstan has created the Ak Ilbirs (Snow Leopard) Ecological Corridor in the northeastern Issyk-Kul region, a major step in safeguarding rare wildlife and preserving the country’s rich biodiversity. The corridor encompasses over 792,000 hectares, linking several protected areas: the Khan-Tengri State Nature Park, the Sarychat-Eertash Nature Reserve, and the Naryn Nature Reserve. It is designed to serve as a safe habitat for the snow leopard and other endangered species, while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. [caption id="attachment_30972" align="aligncenter" width="794"] Image: mnr.gov.kg[/caption] Key Objectives The Ak Ilbirs Ecological Corridor aims to:

• Conserve wild animal populations, including the endangered snow leopard
• Protect diverse ecosystems and their biological richness
• Safeguard rare and threatened plant and animal species

To preserve the integrity of the corridor, strict prohibitions have been introduced. These include a ban on the introduction of non-native species, the use of pesticides, radioactive waste disposal, and any other activities that could harm the ecosystem. At the same time, the corridor supports legal and environmentally responsible activities, such as scientific research, reforestation, forest management, and population regulation of certain wildlife species. National and Global Significance The initiative marks a significant advancement in Kyrgyzstan’s environmental policy. Notably, the corridor strengthens efforts to protect the snow leopard, a species regarded as an indicator of the stability and health of mountainous ecosystems. In December 2023, President Sadyr Japarov signed a decree recognizing the snow leopard as a national symbol of the Kyrgyz Republic. The species is classified as rare or endangered across 12 countries. Kyrgyzstan has also played a leading role in international snow leopard conservation. At the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, the country introduced the resolution establishing October 23 as International Snow Leopard Day, backed by other range states including Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. According to the Population Assessment of the World’s Snow Leopards, conducted between 2020 and 2024 under the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP), Kyrgyzstan is estimated to have an average snow leopard population of 285.

Economic Growth Akylbek Japarov Investment GDP Inflation Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Reports Strong Economic Growth in Early 2025

Kyrgyzstan’s economy continued its upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2025, with GDP expanding by 13.1%, according to Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov. He credited the surge to positive developments across all key sectors prioritized by the government. The food industry posted remarkable growth of 71%, while the construction sector expanded by 69%. Investments in fixed capital jumped by 90% during the same period. A detailed economic overview published by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce highlighted that Kyrgyz businesses are adapting rapidly to shifting external conditions. The ministry also pointed to increased domestic demand and investment activity as key drivers of growth. "From January to March 2025, about 93% of total investments were directed toward mining, processing industries, information and communications, electricity and gas supply, and the construction of housing and educational institutions," the ministry stated. The construction sector alone contributed three percentage points to GDP growth. However, services remain the backbone of Kyrgyzstan’s economy, accounting for 4.5 percentage points of overall growth. Within the sector, trade made up 27.4%, transportation services 10.3%, and financial intermediation and insurance services another 10.3%. Annual inflation stood just below 7% in the first quarter, with average prices for consumer goods rising by 3.5% during the reporting period.

Energy Hydroelectric power plants President Japarov İhlas Holding

Turkish Company Reaffirms Commitment to Kyrgyzstan’s Energy Projects

At a meeting on April 16 with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov in Bishkek, Ahmet Mücahid Ören, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Turkey’s İhlas Holding, reaffirmed his company’s commitment to implementing two major energy projects in Kyrgyzstan: the construction of the Kazarman cascade of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) on the Naryn River, and a 250 MW natural gas-fired combined heat and power plant (CHPP-2) in Bishkek. İhlas Holding has previously established an open joint-stock company, Orta Asya Investment Holding (Central Asian Investment Holding), to facilitate its operations in Kyrgyzstan. “We consider these projects in the fields of hydropower and thermal power generation as strategically important and a priority. We are confident that their implementation will serve as the basis for the sustainable development of the country's energy sector and create conditions for subsequent investment initiatives,” Ören stated, according to the Kyrgyz president’s press service. Japarov noted that preliminary research has been completed at the construction sites for the Kazarman cascade in the Jalal-Abad region. The studies were conducted by Central Asian Investment Holding in cooperation with the Kyrgyzhydroproject Institute. In February 2025, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy and Central Asian Investment Holding signed a protocol of intent to build the Kazarman cascade, which will have a total capacity of 912 MW. The Turkish company has committed to constructing three hydropower plants as part of the project:

• Ala-Buga HPP – 600 MW
• Kara-Bulun-1 HPP – 149 MW
• Kara-Bulun-2 HPP – 163 MW

Combined, these plants are expected to generate 3.746 billion kWh of electricity annually, significantly bolstering Kyrgyzstan’s power supply. The meeting also addressed the construction of a second thermal power plant in Bishkek. Japarov emphasized that once operational in 2028, the new 250 MW natural gas-fired CHPP-2 will improve not only the capital’s heating and electricity supply but also its environmental conditions. The new facility aims to reduce reliance on the city’s aging coal-fired Thermal Power Plant, which currently serves as the primary source of electricity and heating. Once completed, CHPP-2 is expected to meet Bishkek’s growing heating demands and reduce the risk of energy shortages.

Politics Elections President Japarov President of Kyrgyzstan presidential election

Kyrgyzstan Sets Date for 2027 Presidential Election

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has submitted a draft law to parliament establishing the official date for the country’s next presidential election. The parliamentary committee on constitutional legislation has approved the proposal in all three readings. According to the newly adopted law, the presidential election will take place on January 24, 2027, in line with amendments that designate the fourth Sunday of January as the official election date in the year the president’s term expires. Under the current Constitution, the president of Kyrgyzstan is elected for a single six-year term, with no possibility of re-election. President Japarov was elected on January 28, 2021, and later initiated constitutional reforms, including a nationwide referendum that expanded presidential powers. Changes to Parliamentary Elections The same parliamentary committee has also approved a second reading of a draft law altering the electoral system for members of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament). The reforms would eliminate single-mandate constituencies, moving to an entirely majoritarian, multi-member district model. Under the new system, 30 electoral constituencies will be established, with three deputies elected in each, bringing the total to 90 MPs, all elected on a majoritarian basis. Both political parties and self-nominated individuals will be able to field candidates. Notably, 30 of the 90 seats will be reserved for women, aimed at enhancing gender representation. Currently, Kyrgyzstan’s parliament is composed of 54 deputies elected by party lists and 36 by single-mandate districts. If approved in its final reading, the draft law would overhaul the country's mixed electoral model in favor of a purely constituency-based approach.

Infectious Diseases Unvaccinated children Vaccination

Kyrgyzstan Among Countries with Highest Number of Measles Cases

The measles virus is spreading in many parts of the world, and Kyrgyzstan is among the nations experiencing a surge in cases as health officials conduct an immunization drive despite vaccine skepticism among some people. A total of 5,168 measles cases had been registered across the Central Asian country as of April 10 this year, in what the Ministry of Health described as an “acute” situation. Some 1,777 vaccination clinics operate across Kyrgyzstan at a primary healthcare level and in maternity hospitals, and mobile teams carry out vaccinations in remote areas as well as among migrants in new settlements in the capital, Bishkek, according to the ministry. One UNICEF-supported nurse has traveled on horseback to deliver measles vaccines on remote farms in the mountainous country. “Every year, up to 20,000 people refuse to get vaccinated. The main reasons for refusal are religious beliefs — 43%, doubts about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines — 45%. This leads to the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases,” the ministry said. It also stated that unvaccinated citizens, mainly preschool children, could be temporarily barred from educational institutions in the event of an epidemic or the threat of one. Health experts say a decline in immunization is contributing to a rise in global measles cases this year. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that, as of April 10, a total of 712 confirmed cases of the airborne, highly contagious disease had been reported in the United States this year, compared to 285 cases that were reported last year. The greatest concentration of cases this year is in Texas. Officials declared the disease to be eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. Yemen, India, and Pakistan have the world’s highest numbers of reported measles cases in the last six months, according to an April report by the World Health Organization. Kyrgyzstan, which has a population of about seven million, has the seventh highest number of cases in the WHO data. Kyrgyzstan’s healthcare system is likely under a lot of strain because of the surging measles cases, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in March, stating that the deaths of two children had been reported. “Hospitals, clinics, and health professionals are overwhelmed with the high number of patients, leading to longer waiting times, limited resources, and increased workload for medical staff,” the federation said.

Media

Kyrgyz Authorities Arrest Critic of Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border Agreement

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan earned international praise last month when they signed a border agreement ending years of tension that had sometimes spilled into deadly violence. A recent arrest in Kyrgyzstan suggests that authorities are sensitive to any criticism of a deal that was widely hailed as a big step for closer ties among Central Asian countries.  Kanyshai Mamyrkulova, who has been described by Kyrgyz media sources as a journalist and an activist, was arrested on March 20, a week after President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan and Emomali Rahmon, Tajikistan’s leader, signed the peace agreement following painstaking negotiations over the delineation of the nearly 1,000-kilometer border between the two countries. This week, a court upheld an earlier ruling that Mamyrkulova be held in pre-trial detention until May 19, in one of the latest cases in Kyrgyzstan that pits advocates of free speech against a government that increasingly views unfettered opinions and alleged disinformation as a threat to national stability. While critics warn that Kyrgyzstan is clamping down on free expression, the environment there is relatively looser than in Tajikistan, where the state exercises tighter controls over the media. Mamyrkulova appears to have fallen foul of the authorities for critical posts on social media rather than any journalistic reports.  She spread “false information regarding the Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan border issue” on Facebook, the Bishkek city police department said last month. “The individual made calls aimed at destabilizing the socio-political situation in the Kyrgyz Republic by inciting mass disorder and promoting interethnic hatred between citizens of Kyrgyzstan and neighboring countries,” the department said. It added that Mamyrkulova had “previously been held accountable for similar actions — spreading misinformation and escalating tensions during past incidents involving border issues between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek republics.”  A review of some of Mamyrkulova’s Facebook posts reveals a stream of comments and barbs about alleged corruption, official wrongdoing, and prosecutions, often delivered with cheeky humor. Some are indirect or use metaphors to make a point. Several that refer to the border agreement suggest the Kyrgyz government was not transparent enough with its citizens and imply that Tajikistan got the better of the deal.   In a letter released last week, Mamyrkulova said she hadn’t done anything wrong.  “I did not kill anyone, did not steal from the state, and did not take bribes. I’ve only posted about legal, political, economic, and social issues affecting the public. Regarding the criminal charges brought against me under Article 278 (part 3) and Article 330 (part 1) of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic — I have never committed, nor will I ever commit such crimes,” she said in the statement, which was posted on the Facebook account of supporter Amanbol Babakulov.   “They spun a criminal case from thin air simply because I wrote what the public was thinking, in a way that struck a nerve. I know this well myself — as do the lawyers, the attorneys, and those who work closely with the justice system,” she said.  The Media Action Platform of Kyrgyzstan, which represents journalists, called for Mamyrkulova to be freed, saying that “it is obvious that there are no calls for violence, riots or international division” in the social media posts that were flagged by authorities and that equating an opinion with a crime violates the Constitution.  Separately, on Wednesday, Japarov pardoned 41 people who had been convicted of crimes, according to the Kloop news organization. Those who were pardoned include activist Zarina Torokulova and reporter Azamat Ishenbekov, both of whom got into trouble for social media posts and were sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted of calling for riots. They were detained in September 2023 and January 2024, respectively. 

Export/Import opinion Trade War US Tariffs Trump Tariffs

Trump Tariffs: A Barrier for Kyrgyzstan, or an Opportunity?

Akylbek Japarov, former head of Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers, has described the United States’ newly imposed trade duties as an "economic earthquake" already reshaping global markets. However, he sees an opportunity for Kyrgyzstan, which faces a comparatively low U.S. tariff rate of just 10%. A Regional Advantage Japarov argues that China has been hit hardest by the new U.S. tariffs. “Following the introduction of duties, Chinese goods are 20-35 percent less competitive, not due to the nominal tariff alone, but because of higher overall costs, disrupted logistics, contract renegotiations, and increased risk premiums,” he explained in a Facebook post. “Part of that market is being freed up, for someone else.” Kyrgyzstan, along with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, faces a 10% U.S. tariff rate. In contrast, Kazakhstan’s goods are subject to 27% duties. Japarov sees this as a competitive edge that Kyrgyzstan could leverage to integrate into new supply chains, especially while global players are adjusting to the new trade landscape. The former prime minister believes the country is well-positioned geographically, situated between China, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and South Asia, with low production costs and access to regional markets. While Kyrgyzstan’s total trade turnover stands at around $16 billion, the U.S. accounts for only 4% of that figure. Key exports to the U.S. include shoes, tobacco products, animal-derived goods, and pharmaceuticals. Japarov suggests Kyrgyz businesses focus on re-exports, product localization, and packaging. He calls for investments in logistics and customs certification, and for the government to craft a new export strategy. “While some see a threat, others are building export channels. While some are calculating losses, others are increasing production,” he said. An Opening for Business, Not Policy In an interview with The Times of Central Asia, Sergei Ponomarev, president of the Kyrgyz Association of Markets, Trade and Services, said the new tariffs should be viewed as part of a larger negotiation process. “The trade war has begun. China, the European Union, and other countries are already responding. But the duties have also triggered a wave of global inflation. These are high risks but also great opportunities,” he said. Ponomarev noted that Kyrgyzstan’s limited integration with the global economy means it will likely experience only indirect effects. Still, he pointed to past examples of adaptive trade strategies. Before joining the EAEU, Kyrgyz entrepreneurs often re-labeled Chinese products as “Made in Kyrgyzstan” for resale in Russia. In some cases, Chinese producers even falsely labeled their goods as Kyrgyz to benefit from preferential access to the Russian market. He suggested similar tactics could re-emerge under the current trade environment. “Some businesses may exploit the 10% duty. Chinese goods could be repackaged in Kyrgyzstan or processed through joint ventures,” Ponomarev said. “For example, a sweater could arrive from China, sleeves sewn on in Kyrgyzstan, and the product re-exported as local.” Such methods, he noted, may be feasible in low-tech sectors like apparel, but Kyrgyzstan lacks the skilled labor force needed to replicate this in high-tech manufacturing. Ponomarev concluded that while Japarov’s ideas are not official government policy, they nonetheless represent a realistic business opportunity amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Sports Sports Federations AFC Cup

Excitement Mounts After Trio of Central Asian Countries Launch Joint Bid to Host 2031 AFC Cup

On February 24, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2031 AFC Asian Football Cup. If selected, the 2031 tournament would be the first top-level football event hosted in Central Asia. Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) President Rustam Emomali – the eldest son of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon - displayed his enthusiasm following the bid. “Our Central Asian region has never hosted the final part of the Asian Cup. I think the time has come. Our region is represented by very strong teams, and I am confident that together with the fraternal countries, we will host the final part of the Asian Cup at the highest level,” he stated. Whilst a joint bid amongst Central Asia countries has stoked excitement for many in the region, they currently face strong competition to host the event. The UAE, Kuwait, Australia, Indonesia, and South Korea have all signaled their intention to bid to be the tournament’s next host. Whilst none of the three Central Asian nations have hosted a top-level football tournament, Uzbekistan has experience with similar events after hosting the AFC U-20 and U-23 tournaments and the Futsal World Cup in 2024. However, after attending the Futsal World Cup, Uzbek fan Farrukh Irnazarov is nervous that the authorities may not promote the event aggressively enough. “When Uzbekistan hosts an event like this, they’re very serious about it. However, unfortunately their biggest concern is security. [The Futsal World Cup] wasn’t heavily publicized, and many people weren’t aware we were hosting it,” he told The Times of Central Asia. To be considered for the bid, all three countries will need to complete stadium renovations by the time the AFC committee makes its decision in 2026. Uzbekistan is the most prepared of the three, with stadiums already at international tournament capacity in Tashkent, Namangan, Fergana, and Qarshi. A stadium with a minimum capacity of 50,000 seats is required for the final, and Bishkek has already volunteered. Tashkent and Dushanbe are also revamping their respective stadiums, as the host nations must have two cities with 40,000-seat stadiums for the semi-finals in the tournament. [caption id="attachment_30647" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] The Dolon Omurzakov Stadium in Bishkek; image: TCA, Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] What is the AFC Asian Cup? The AFC Asian Cup is an Asian (plus Australia) football competition that has been held every four years since 1956. The previous tournament was held in 2023 in Qatar, which saw the host nation become champions. The tournament started with just four teams: South Korea, Israel, South Vietnam, and Hong Kong, playing a round-robin style tournament before expanding to 24 teams in 2019. Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have already qualified for the next tournament in Saudi Arabia in 2027, whilst Tajikistan and Turkmenistan need to win their group in the final round of qualification to participate. However, for the 2031 tournament, if Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan see their bid accepted, all three teams will qualify automatically. Central Asia’s best tournament result came with a fourth-place finish by Uzbekistan in 2011. All three teams are hoping for similar success twenty years later. [caption id="attachment_30644" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image: Sherzod Ibragimov[/caption] Impacts of Hosting the Tournament If the Central Asia trio see their bid accepted, this could lead to significant long-term recognition and progress for Central Asian football. The investment in modernized stadiums could significantly benefit Uzbek, Kyrgyz, and Tajik football moving forward. However, according to Aidana Otorbaeva, the vice-president of the Kyrgyz women’s football association and a former Kyrgyz national team player, these investments wouldn’t just support the top level of men’s football. “Co-hosting the Asian Championship can bring even more investment and recognition to our favorite sport, football, but particularly women’s and youth football as well. For my academy, we struggle to provide enough coaches, stadiums or even fields to accommodate the demand for the sport. Investments have led to some small stadiums being built across the country, but it’s still not enough,” Otorbaeva told TCA. Hosting any international tournament brings substantial media coverage and recognition, and therefore leads to sponsorships, partnerships, and foreign investment. Sherzod Ibragimov, Uzbekistan’s U-17 National Team Head Coach, has another view about the sustainability of funding in Central Asian football. “The attention of foreign investors on [Central Asia], where football is developing, will increase, and in the future, there will be no need for government investment,” he told TCA Central Asia could also see increased opportunities to host international friendly matches, especially with more modernized stadiums, featuring teams across Asia or even Europe. Tourism could also see a big boost. When the United Arab Emirates hosted the tournament in 2019, they saw an influx in tourism revenue through hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets. Hosting the event could lead to similar long-term gains in tourist revenues. Many are already thrilled about the possibility of this continental tournament coming to the region, including Tajik U-17 National Team Head Coach Marco Ragini. “When I saw the joint bid for 2031, I really thought this will be the right time to bring change to football in Central Asia. It will be a good time and opportunity to have a spotlight on Central Asian football,” Ragini told TCA.