Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 254

#SaveChorvoq: Experts and Bloggers Demand Answers on Sea Breeze Uzbekistan Project

The Times of Central Asia earlier reported that Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov plans to build “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” a huge tourist complex on the shores of the Charvak (Chorvoq) reservoir. The center will cover 500–700 hectares and include hotels, cottages, pools, sports areas, shops, restaurants, and a bridge connecting both sides of the reservoir. It will also host festivals, concerts, and cultural events. News of this project has sparked a strong public reaction. Many people wonder why such a big plan was made without any open discussion. The project is discussed under the hashtag #SaveChorvoq, which many use to call for action. The idea first appeared in December when Agalarov presented it to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In April, the president reviewed the master plan. Since then, social media has been full of debates about the environmental risks and possible water shortages. An Instagram video by environmental blogger Urikguli (Mutabar Khushvaqtova) gathered opinions from experts and influencers about how Sea Breeze Uzbekistan might affect Charvak’s water balance. Temur Ahmedov, a sustainable construction specialist, said: “Tashkent has 3.5 million people, and New Tashkent is being built too. Where will all that water come from? If Charvak’s balance is broken, we have a big problem.” Dr Yulduzkhon Abdullaeva, a doctor of natural sciences, warned: “First, biodiversity will suffer. Charvak reservoir and its surroundings house rare plants and animals. A lot of materials must be brought in that way. Because we don’t have waterways, transport will use roads, which can pollute the air. Pools and fountains will need water from Charvak, which may disturb its hydrological balance. An environmental impact assessment is necessary. The results must be made public. If the assessment is negative, the project should be cancelled. That’s why public involvement is very important.” Abdullaeva also noted: “Rare plants grow near the reservoir, and animals live there. Pools and fountains will use Charvak water, which could upset its balance. A project evaluation must be done, and if bad, construction should be stopped.” Urban planner Iskandar Soliyev expressed doubts about the developer’s promises. “I think building such a large project around the reservoir is a mistake. Even Agalarov says in his videos that first we will install water-cleaning devices, then start construction. But we know those promises are often broken. That is the main worry.” Urikguli stressed: “If errors happen or water is polluted at Charvak, we could lose our only source of drinking water. That is why a thorough environmental check and transparency are essential.” Alisher Khudoyberdiev, a hydrometeorology researcher, pointed out that motorboats could pollute the water and harm both drinking supplies and farmland. Blogger Samandar Nizomov questioned the idea of a VIP zone. “Why let the rich go in and make the poor watch from afar? Charvak is not a sea or an ocean. I don’t want to drink water with impurities.” His view echoed that of Umida Odilova: “Our reservoir is our drinking water source—for us and our children. There’s already too much building in the city. Only the...

Kyzyl-Ompol Mining Resumes Under New Law, Public Concern Persists

Trial production of titanomagnetite has commenced at the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit near Balykchy in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region, First Deputy Prime Minister Bakyt Torobaev announced in a recent interview with local media. According to Torobaev, the deposit holds an estimated 20 million tons of titanomagnetite, and the total value of useful elements in the subsoil could approach $1 billion. “When this project was just starting, few believed in it. Today we see concrete results: experimental development has begun, infrastructure and technology are being developed. The potential of the deposit is enormous,” he said. Torobaev added that the site is also being used to test new technological solutions that could be implemented elsewhere in the country. A Controversial Resource and Legal Shifts Mining at Kyzyl-Ompol was previously prohibited due to the presence of uranium and thorium, radioactive elements often found alongside titanomagnetite. Their extraction has been banned in Kyrgyzstan since 2019, following widespread public protests over environmental and health concerns. However, a 2023 law lifted the ban under strict environmental compliance conditions. The bill’s explanatory note cited the need for alternative revenue sources in light of economic challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and regional sanctions. President Sadyr Japarov emphasized that titanomagnetite comprises roughly 95% of the deposit’s reserves. The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has assured the public that current extraction technologies meet all safety and environmental standards and pledged ongoing oversight. Economic Potential and Public Concerns Government estimates suggest that the project’s initial phase could contribute approximately $150 million to the state budget and generate around 1,000 jobs. Torobaev described Kyzyl-Ompol as having the potential to become a “second Kumtor”, a reference to the country’s largest and most profitable gold mine. Nonetheless, public debate continues. Critics caution that the area’s known uranium reserves could pose environmental risks if disturbed, particularly in the ecologically sensitive Issyk-Kul region. Titanomagnetite is used in metallurgy, particularly for producing specialized steels, and also has applications in the chemical and energy sectors. Discovered in 1951, the Kyzyl-Ompol deposit comprises five sites. To date, detailed geological surveys have been conducted on only one, with its reserves officially registered in the state balance.

Kyrgyzstan Approves Plan to Achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050

On July 3, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for Achieving Carbon Neutrality of the Kyrgyz Republic along with the action plan for its initial implementation phase. The approval marks a significant step in the country’s climate policy, setting long-term guidelines for sustainable development and signaling Kyrgyzstan’s political commitment to global climate goals. The concept outlines a phased transition to a carbon-neutral economy, targeting key sectors such as energy, transport, industry, agriculture, waste management, and forestry. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, enhance energy efficiency, restore forest ecosystems, adopt digital and innovative technologies, and integrate climate risk into state planning processes. The government sees the concept as a foundation for attracting climate finance, creating green jobs, and ensuring environmental security for future generations. It also reinforces Kyrgyzstan’s status as an active and responsible participant in the international climate framework under the Paris Agreement. Kyrgyzstan has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a commitment first announced by President Sadyr Japarov at the 2021 World Leaders Summit during the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The country has also set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 44% by 2030.

Environment

Kazakhstan Considers “Green” Tax on Plastic Packaging

Azhar Sagandykova, a deputy in Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis, has proposed introducing a “green” tax on non-environmentally friendly packaging. She announced the initiative during the IX Eurasian Business Forum Green Energy & Waste Recycling Forum (GEWR-2025). The proposed tax would apply to packaging materials that are difficult to recycle or non-biodegradable, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, plastic bags, and other polyethylene-based containers. “It is time to seriously consider introducing a green tax on non-environmentally friendly packaging and directing the funds collected towards the development of waste recycling,” Sagandykova stated. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kazakhstan produces approximately 4.5 million tons of waste annually. Of this, 80% is generated by the municipal sector, while 20% comes from industry, healthcare, and other sectors. Only about 26% of the total waste is recycled. These figures were confirmed by Zhomart Aliyev, Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, who also addressed the forum. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aliyev commented on the complexities of implementing such a tax. “It is very difficult to say at this stage what a green tax on a particular product should look like. It could affect virtually all sectors of the economy. We have begun preparatory work, but it is still at an early stage. We need to calculate the figures for the whole country in detail,” he said. In addition to the tax proposal, Sagandykova advocated for a dedicated law on waste management to clarify responsibilities, define infrastructure needs, and introduce government incentives. “The existing Environmental Code contains a number of vulnerabilities and does not cover all aspects of waste management. Therefore, within the framework of a working group in the Mazhilis, we intend to review the systemic approach to solving this problem,” she explained. During the summer, deputies plan to collect proposals from businesses, environmentalists, and civil society stakeholders. These suggestions will inform a draft bill to be discussed in the fall. Aliyev added that the government is already working on a comprehensive waste management concept, excluding radioactive waste, which remains under the jurisdiction of the Atomic Energy Agency. The concept, commissioned by the prime minister, is expected to be finalized by September, when a decision will be made on whether a standalone waste management law is necessary. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan had aimed to phase out plastic packaging and tableware by 2025. However, due to a lack of sufficient alternatives in domestic production, the government was forced to abandon the timeline.

Kazakhstan’s ECOJER Association Granted UN Consultative Status

The Kazakhstan Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives, ECOJER, has been granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the organization’s press service announced. This designation allows ECOJER to participate in UN sessions and conferences held in New York, Geneva, and Vienna. The association can now submit written and oral statements, and engage in direct dialogue with ECOSOC bodies and the UN Secretariat. The recognition significantly enhances ECOJER’s international presence and influence in advancing sustainable development and environmental policy. “Obtaining this status significantly expands our opportunities. Now we can convey the consolidated position of the Kazakh expert community and responsible businesses at the international level. Our task is to demonstrate how Kazakhstan is seeking and finding a balance between industrial development and environmental sustainability,” said ECOJER CEO Rustem Kabzhanov. Expanding Environmental Influence Founded in 2017, ECOJER focuses on promoting environmentally sustainable economic growth and formulating policy recommendations for government agencies. The organization has pursued a range of practical initiatives, including becoming an authorized issuer for the International REC Foundation (I-REC) in Kazakhstan in 2022. I-REC certificates verify the origin of green electricity. In 2024, ECOJER issued 2.6 million such certificates, up sharply from 200,000 the previous year. With its new ECOSOC status, ECOJER joins a select group of organizations in Central Asia with direct access to UN consultative mechanisms. This development marks a milestone in Kazakhstan’s growing role in the global environmental dialogue and reflects international recognition of its contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In March 2025, the UN Green Climate Fund allocated $280 million to Kazakhstan for environmental projects, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia.

Bishkek Launches “Living Wall” Project to Tackle Heat and Pollution

Bishkek has launched a pilot project to green the facades of buildings as part of a broader effort to adapt to climate change and mitigate growing heat and air pollution in Kyrgyzstan’s capital. In June, vertical greenery was installed on the facades of three schools and one apartment building under the “1000 Green Walls” program. The initiative is jointly implemented by the environmental organization MoveGreen and the Bishkek municipality, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the development agency Bread for the World. More Than Just Aesthetic Green facades, also known as living walls, offer both visual and environmental benefits. They reduce building surface temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, and filter dust and pollutants from the air. These vertical gardens also improve sound insulation, protect buildings from temperature extremes, and support urban biodiversity, providing habitat for birds, insects, and butterflies. Two species were selected for the pilot phase: maiden grapes and ivy. Maiden grapes are fast-growing, frost- and drought-resistant vines that create dense green coverage. In addition to insulating buildings, they absorb dust and exhaust emissions, improving local air quality. Their vibrant red foliage in autumn also enhances the city’s visual appeal. Ivy, an evergreen perennial, retains its foliage year-round and provides consistent thermal and acoustic insulation. It is effective in trapping airborne pollutants and helps create a more temperate and pleasant microclimate around buildings. A Scalable Urban Solution The Bishkek municipality views this as a sustainable and scalable urban solution. “These green facades contribute to a more comfortable, ecological, and aesthetically pleasing urban environment,” officials said. The city plans to expand the 1000 Green Walls program to include more schools, kindergartens, and residential buildings in the coming months.