Bishkek Secures Multi-Million Dollar Grants at COP29 Conference in Baku

Boobek Azhikeev, the head of Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations, held several meetings with representatives of international institutions during the COP29 conference in Baku. Protocols and memorandums were signed, and a joint action plan for 2025-27 was developed. “I would like to highlight our meeting with the regional director of the Green Climate Fund, where we discussed a $25 million grant,” stated Kyrgyz EMERCOM spokeswoman Elnura Muktarova. “These funds are intended to support Kyrgyzstan’s Hydrometeorological and Forestry Services, as well as the Training and Research Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. We anticipate beginning these projects next year.” Azhikeev also negotiated with FETNet, a Finnish company that will provide advanced training for the Hydrometeorological Service. FETNet has offered to train Kyrgyz specialists in Finland and will present cutting-edge technologies to improve the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts. In addition, the Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that it had reached an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to secure $60 million for strengthening the banks of the Kara-Darya, Chu, and Yassy rivers. This funding aims to reduce flood risks and enhance the ecological situation in the region. Of the total, 40% will be provided as a grant, while the remainder will be offered as a loan. During a meeting with representatives from the Financial Service under the Government of South Korea, discussions centered on financing Kyrgyzstan’s Forest Service. The South Korean representatives pledged support in the form of laboratory equipment, high-quality seeds, and digital mapping tools to combat pasture degradation and enhance forestry management. Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations officials also met with Turkish EMERCOM representatives and the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) to discuss joint efforts in responding to emergency situations.

Campaign to Restore Kyrgyzstan’s Forests

As part of its ‘Green Heritage’ campaign, Kyrgyzstan has now pledged to plant six million saplings per year. Since its launch in 2023, the national campaign has already planted over eight million new trees. The announcement was made by First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Asein Isaev,  at the 19th session of the Forum on Forests on “Forest-based solutions to the triple planetary crises: A focus on people, science, technology, and finance,” at the UN headquarters on May 9. Between 2021-2023, Kyrgyzstan lost 2.56 kha of tree cover as a result of uncontrolled pasture causing overgrazing and desertification, logging for firewood, and widespread, illegal deforestation. In addition to highlighting the vulnerability of Kyrgyzstan's mountain forests, First Deputy Minister Isaev emphasized the urgent need to preserve the ancient walnut forests of Arslanbob. Covering over 600,000 of hectares, these unique forests in southern Kyrgyzstan are the largest in the world. The initiative is integral to consolidated efforts to preserve mountain and forest ecosystems and their biodiversity, and represents  Kyrgyzstan's commitment to the implementation of both the UN Strategic Plan for Forests for 2017-2030 and the Five-Year Action Plan for the Development of Mountain Regions for 2023-2027.