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Environment

Kyrgyzstan Launches Environmental Strategy for Lake Issyk-Kul

On December 2, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for the Sustainable Development of the Ecological and Economic System of Lake Issyk-Kul until 2030, along with a corresponding Action Plan. The initiative aims to protect the lake and its surrounding biosphere from intensifying environmental and human pressures, while ensuring long-term economic resilience in the region. Located in northeastern Kyrgyzstan, Issyk-Kul is the country’s largest lake, a unique ecological reserve, and one of Central Asia’s main tourist destinations. However, the newly adopted Concept reflects growing concerns over environmental degradation and the urgent need for coordinated management. Based in part on a government technical assessment, the strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap to stabilize the lake’s ecosystem, modernize critical infrastructure, and mitigate climate risks. Climate Threats and Water Imbalance A key priority of the Concept is enhanced monitoring of Lake Issyk-Kul and its surrounding basin, particularly its water and energy resources. Climate change, including glacial retreat and reduced river inflow, has placed the basin under mounting stress. Of the 957 glaciers in the Issyk-Kul basin, covering 560.8 square kilometers, many are melting at an accelerated rate. Although roughly 120 rivers flow into the lake, only 80 reach it during summer due to irrigation withdrawals. To restore hydrological balance, the government plans to introduce modern irrigation technologies across 100,000 hectares of farmland. Officials estimate this could redirect up to 200 million cubic meters of water back into the lake each year. Between 1927 and 2003, Issyk-Kul’s water level fell by 2.75 meters, driven by declining inflow, outdated monitoring systems, and inefficient water use. The new Concept calls for restoring hydrological infrastructure, including groundwater observation stations and river hydro-posts. It also proposes strict accounting of irrigation water and a shift toward water-saving technologies in agriculture. Combatting Wastewater and Pollution Untreated wastewater remains one of the most severe threats to the lake’s ecosystem. Discharges from settlements, hotels, and tourism facilities have polluted the lake for years. The Concept aims to modernize wastewater treatment plants, expand sewage networks, and promote the reuse of treated water for irrigation purposes. Over the past five years, 47 new treatment facilities have been constructed in the Issyk-Kul region. The government now plans to reduce untreated wastewater discharge by 40%. Industrial Risks and Waste Management Environmental oversight of industrial activity, particularly at the Kumtor gold mine, the country’s largest, is another priority. The Concept calls for stricter regulation of hazardous waste and the rehabilitation of mining tailings to protect soil, groundwater, and the lake itself. Solid waste management is also being addressed. In October 2025, China’s Hunan Junxin Environmental Protection Co. Ltd. began building a waste-to-energy incineration plant in Karakol, the region’s administrative center. This will be the company’s third facility in Kyrgyzstan, following earlier projects in Bishkek and Osh. The introduction of separate waste collection systems is seen as key to reducing landfill pressure and minimizing environmental damage. To address air quality, the Concept promotes modernization of outdated heating systems, emission controls on industry and transport, and the adoption of...

wildlife

Kazakhstan’s Ecology Ministry Says Saiga Population May Surpass Five Million in 2026

Kazakhstan's saiga antelope population, a key indicator of steppe ecosystem health and a globally vulnerable species, has reached unprecedented levels. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the population now numbers approximately four million. Following the 2026 calving season, that figure could rise to nearly five million, cementing Kazakhstan’s role as the primary global habitat for the species. At a recent meeting on sustainable saiga population management, Minister of Ecology Yerlan Nyssanbayev highlighted the dramatic recovery of the species. In 2005, the population had dwindled to fewer than 40,000. Thanks to a nationwide hunting ban, increased protection measures, and targeted monitoring programs, Kazakhstan has achieved one of the most notable wildlife conservation success stories in recent history. However, the rapid rebound has brought new challenges. Ecologists warn that rising saiga densities are increasing competition with agricultural activities and contributing to pasture degradation. In response, the government has begun implementing controlled population management strategies. Between July 1 and November 30, 2025, around 196,000 saigas were culled, with carcasses processed by domestic enterprises. “The work was carried out in strict accordance with scientific recommendations,” Nyssanbayev stated. A separate concern is the trade in saiga derivatives, particularly male horns, which are in high demand in traditional Eastern medicine. According to the ministry, all horns are marked and securely stored by the Okhotzooprom State Enterprise. A digital traceability system, developed in partnership with Kazakhtelecom JSC, is currently being piloted to ensure full transparency in horn origin tracking. This technology, supported at the CITES International Conference, is under consideration as a mechanism for potentially easing current restrictions on derivative exports. First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar has instructed the Ministry of Ecology and other relevant agencies to finalize regulatory frameworks for labeling and circulation of saiga products, and to develop comprehensive measures for managing the growing population in 2026. The dramatic saiga recovery has also drawn international attention. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan has agreed to transfer 1,500 saiga antelopes to China in 2026 to support efforts to reintroduce the species beyond its historical range in Central Asia.

Aral Sea

Kazakhstan to Use Innovative Drone Technology for Aral Seabed Reforestation

On October 29, a new initiative titled “Improving the Ecosystem of the Aral Seabed” was launched by Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University, the University of California, Berkeley, the Kazakh Directorate of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), and the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. The project seeks to rehabilitate the dried Aral Sea bed using innovative E-seed technology developed by scientists at UC Berkeley. The method involves aerial seeding with drones that distribute self-burying seeds encased in biodegradable material, an approach designed to accelerate greening, increase plant survival rates, and reduce labor costs. Once the world’s fourth-largest inland sea, the Aral Sea covered 68,000 square kilometers across Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Beginning in the 1960s, large-scale irrigation projects diverted water from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers to support cotton farming. By 2007, the sea had shrunk to just 10% of its original size. Today, the Aral Sea is a symbol of one of the world's most severe environmental disasters. Salt-laden dust from the exposed seabed, estimated in the tens of billions of tons, is carried by wind as far as the Arctic and the Himalayas. This toxic dust, infused with pesticides and heavy metals, contaminates soil, water, and air, threatening regional public health and food security. “The Aral Sea is a wound on the planet that cannot be ignored. We are launching a project that will create a barrier against salt and toxic dust, improve human health, and contribute to the future of the entire Earth,” said Ainur Karbozova, Director of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation. “The uniqueness of this technology is that it can be applied worldwide from restoring burned-out forests to transforming deserts into green oases.” A test planting on a one-hectare site is planned for March-April 2026. In 2027, the second phase will expand the pilot to 50 hectares. “The use of the innovative E-seed technology will strengthen the soil structure, reduce dust and salt emissions, and ultimately increase the region's biodiversity,” said Rakhat Kurmanbayev, Associate Professor at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University. “By 2040, we plan to stabilize the ecosystem over at least 50 square kilometers. The project will reduce air temperatures by 1-2°C and improve the microclimate.” The initiative aligns with broader environmental goals outlined under Kazakhstan’s 2024-2026 chairmanship of IFAS, during which large-scale afforestation efforts aim to green more than 1 million hectares of the Aral seabed. The Times of Central Asia previously reported the construction of a saxaul nursery in the Kyzylorda region. Located directly on the former seabed, the facility is expected to produce 1.5 million drought-resistant saxaul saplings per year. According to the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Kazakhstan plans to afforest 1.1 million hectares of the dried seabed with saxaul. Between 2021 and 2024, 475,000 hectares were afforested, including 127,000 in 2024 alone. An additional 428,000 hectares are scheduled for planting in 2025. By the end of 2025, Kazakhstan expects saxaul to cover approximately 40% of its portion of the dried Aral seabed.

Environment

Kyrgyz Authorities to Confiscate Vehicles Damaging Mountain Ecosystems

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has ordered law enforcement and environmental agencies to begin fining and in severe cases, confiscating vehicles used in a manner that damages mountain ecosystems, particularly in nature reserves and alpine pastures. In a social media post featuring a video of individuals riding quad bikes through mountainous terrain, reportedly within a protected area, Japarov called on the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Natural Resources to take immediate action. “Those driving gasoline-powered vehicles in mountain reserves and pastures should have them confiscated,” the president declared. Japarov said such incidents are occurring nationwide, with the reckless use of off-road vehicles and quad bikes leading to the destruction of fragile slopes and pastureland. “As seen in the video, quad bikes tear up slopes, burn grass, and destroy pastures. Most often these are our youth, but also adults and tourists. Despite existing roads, some choose to drive onto pastures, carving new tracks and damaging the natural landscape,” he said. He emphasized that this behavior degrades mountain ecosystems by trampling vegetation, damaging soil, and accelerating erosion. The president has directed the government to draft legislation authorizing the police and the Ministry of Nature to issue fines and seize vehicles used in ecologically harmful ways. “Where the road ends, continue on foot or horseback. Nature is our shared heritage, and we must preserve it for future generations,” he added. Japarov also called on local authorities to help identify violators and enforce ecological protection measures. Following the president’s directive, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, in coordination with local police, detained a group of individuals operating quad bikes in mountain areas. “They were informed about environmental safety rules, nature conservation, and relevant legislation,” the ministry said. The offenders were each fined 5,500 KGS (approximately $60).

Rogun Dam

Tajikistan’s Rogun Dam to Triple Forests Under No Net Loss Plan

The construction of Tajikistan’s massive Rogun Hydropower Plant (HPP) will proceed under strict environmental conditions, guided by what experts describe as a "No Net Loss" (NNL) approach to nature. According to Asia-Plus, the updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project outlines a series of measures to offset ecological damage, including large-scale forest restoration. The report states that 262 hectares of land, including 185 hectares of juniper forest and 77 hectares of floodplain, will be lost due to construction. To compensate, authorities plan to restore 786 hectares of new forest, tripling the area impacted. The reforestation effort will prioritize juniper, riverside, and fruit and nut forests, while also establishing new protected areas to reinforce local ecosystems. Tajikistan’s Forestry Agency has already allocated nearly 7,600 hectares of land for these efforts. Reforestation is expected to cost over $7.5 million, with annual maintenance costs projected at approximately $10,500. The ESIA outlines a phased strategy. From 2025 to 2030, specific restoration sites will be identified. Practical implementation, including planting and ecosystem protection, is scheduled to begin in 2031. The NNL principle aims to ensure that long-term ecological gains outweigh short-term environmental disruptions. Once completed, the Rogun HPP will have an installed capacity of 3,780 megawatts, making it the largest hydropower facility in Central Asia. Its six turbines, each with a capacity of 630 MW, are expected to generate over 14.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually once the plant becomes fully operational in 2029. Two units, launched in 2018 and 2019, are already producing power at reduced capacity. In 2024, the plant generated 1.22 billion kWh, accounting for 5.5 percent of Tajikistan’s total electricity output. However, the project has not escaped controversy. The World Bank’s Inspection Panel recently agreed to review a formal complaint filed by residents of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, supported by the regional coalition Rivers Without Boundaries. The complaint questions the adequacy of the project's environmental assessments, which critics argue fail to fully account for downstream impacts on communities and ecosystems along the Amu Darya basin. Despite these concerns, Tajik officials maintain that Rogun will enhance national energy independence while also helping position Central Asia as a hub for renewable energy.

Conservation

Turkmenistan to Designate Bolshoy and Maly Balkhan Mountains as Protected Areas

The government of Turkmenistan has announced plans to designate the Bolshoy and Maly Balkhan mountain ranges as protected areas. A new nature reserve is currently being established, with its core zone centered on Bolshoy Balkhan and additional wildlife sanctuaries to be located on Maly Balkhan and the Yuzhny Ustyurt plateau. Ecosystem Under Pressure Concerns about preserving the unique Balkhan ecosystem date back to the 19th century. The first official discussions arose in 1832 following Grigory Karelin’s expedition to the Caspian Sea. By 1836, cartographers had documented the eastern Caspian coastline, the ancient Amu Darya riverbed, and the Bolshoy Balkhan ridge. Zoologists such as Mikhail Laptev (1920s-1930s) and Gheldy Shukurov (1940s) later highlighted the ecological value of this “mountain island in the desert,” a view supported by contemporary scientists who continue to stress its conservation importance. For decades, the slopes of the Balkhans have served as seasonal pastures for small livestock from May to October. This overgrazing has degraded natural ecosystems and reduced biodiversity. The new reserve aims to reverse this trend by limiting cattle grazing to foothills and surrounding pastures. The Natural Wealth of the Balkhans The Balkhan region features a striking mix of desert plains and mountain-steppe terrain. Its highest peak is Mount Arlan, which rises to 1,880 meters. The area is home to two species of amphibians, 28 species of reptiles, 174 species of birds, and 45 species of mammals. Among the most distinctive species is the gray monitor lizard, the region’s largest lizard, growing up to 1.5 meters in length. The Central Asian leopard once roamed these mountains but has since migrated to the Ustyurt Plateau. In its absence, populations of wolves and jackals have increased. Other rare animals found in the area include the Turkmen corsac fox, manul (Pallas’s cat), banded gerbil, rock marten, and Severtsov's jerboa. Maly Balkhan, with its unique topography and the renowned Chalsuv spring, famous for its distinctive taste, reaches a height of 780 meters. In earlier decades, saigas would migrate here from Kazakhstan during winter, though such migrations have not occurred in recent years. Part of a Broader Conservation Push The creation of the Balkhan Reserve is part of Turkmenistan’s National Forest Program (2021-2025). The initiative also includes preparations for establishing the Zengibaba Reserve in Dashoguz velayat and expanding the Amudarya State Reserve. Additional protected areas are planned for Lebap velayat, particularly on the Tallymerdzhen Plain, which is home to the rare sandpiper.