AGP Executive Report

Issyk-Kul Cleanup: About 1,500 volunteers will join a major shoreline cleanup on June 27, covering roughly 100 km from Kara-Talaa to Tosor, with work also planned at popular natural and tourist spots to protect Kyrgyzstan’s key lake ecosystem. Protected Wildlife Spotlight: New argali and snow leopard sculptures were installed at Ala-Archa National Park, adding a fresh public-facing reminder of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain wildlife and biodiversity. Waste Management Upgrade: Kara-Balta is set to get a modern sanitary municipal solid waste landfill: a $4 million pilot project (Japan grant support) will use Fukuoka technology and focus on safer disposal and better environmental conditions. Pasture Protection: Raids in the Kyrchin area found vehicles illegally entering pastures, damaging vegetation and soils; six people were fined for the violations. Radiation Safety Planning: Kyrgyzstan is drafting a regulation for permanent radioecological monitoring of reclaimed uranium sites, tailing dumps, and waste disposal areas, aiming to track radiation and environmental indicators long-term. Climate Pressure in Bishkek: A June 27 heat record was reported in Bishkek, reaching +39.6°C, underscoring rising summer extremes.

Uranium legacy monitoring: Kyrgyzstan is drafting a new regulation for permanent radiation monitoring of former uranium sites, tailing dumps, and waste disposal areas after reclamation, with agencies set to track radiation levels and environmental conditions. Climate risk coordination: A RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue in Bishkek wrapped up with a draft roadmap and investment plan to cut transboundary mudflow and flood risks, plus plans for a regional online catalogue for climate risk management. Issyk-Kul cleanup: About 1,500 volunteers will join a major shoreline cleanup across roughly 100 km of Issyk-Kul Lake, including popular tourist sites, aiming to protect the lake’s natural heritage. Waste management upgrade: Kara-Balta is moving toward a modern $4 million sanitary municipal solid waste landfill with Japanese grant support, using Fukuoka technology and inter-municipal cooperation. Biodiversity and livelihoods: In Karakol, the OVOP “One Village One Product” model is helping communities shift toward sustainable, locally rooted products and stronger local decision-making. Pasture protection: Raids in the Kyrchin area found vehicle access damaging vegetation and soil; six offenders were fined. Heat in Bishkek: June 27 saw a record +39.6°C in the capital, underscoring worsening heat extremes. Local enforcement: Bishkek’s Lenin District fined five establishments 150,000 soms for smoking in public places. Women in business: At the SCO Women’s Forum in Bishkek, officials said women lead about one in three Kyrgyz businesses, with growing access to loans and reduced permitting barriers.

Heat & Weather Watch: Bishkek just saw its hottest June 27 on record, hitting +39.6°C, with forecasts of light rain and a daytime rebound near +35°C. Rail & Environment: Kyrgyz officials say construction of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is moving steadily, but stress strict compliance with environmental standards in the project documentation. Urban Nature & Public Complaints: Bishkek City Hall responded to “Potemkin houses” criticism, saying facade upgrades and street cleanups are part of an ongoing city-wide beautification push. Climate Risk Cooperation: A Bishkek regional dialogue under RESILAND CA+ reviewed a draft roadmap and investment plan to cut transboundary mudflow and flood risks, including plans for digital tools for climate risk management. Pasture Protection: In Issyk-Kul’s Kyrchin area, authorities fined six people for illegal vehicle access that damaged vegetation and soils. Biodiversity Update: Kyrgyzstan has started updating its national Red Book after nearly two decades, funding two years of field surveys to refresh data on rare flora and fauna. Hydropower Push: Work has begun on the Kazarman hydropower cascade on the Naryn River (three stations, 912 MW), framed as a step toward energy security and lower import dependence.

Transboundary Climate Risk Dialogue: A three-day RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue in Bishkek wrapped up with a draft roadmap and investment plan aimed at cutting mudflow and flood risks across Central Asia, plus plans for a regional online catalogue to modernize climate risk management. Biodiversity Update: Kyrgyzstan has started its first full national Red Book update in nearly two decades, with scientists set to survey rare flora and fauna nationwide and build a new database to better protect threatened species. Protected Areas Moratorium Proposal: The Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing a 20-year moratorium on reducing specially protected natural territories, warning that infrastructure and extraction pressures could fragment habitats and weaken ecosystem resilience. Wildlife & Livestock Coexistence Research: A new study from the Himalayas highlights how snow leopards, wolves, and leopards can share the same valley by relying on different prey—an approach that supports conservation policies that reduce retaliatory livestock killings. Water/Energy Infrastructure: Construction has officially begun on the Kazarman hydropower cascade on the Naryn River, a $3 billion project with three stations totaling 912 MW, framed as a step toward stronger energy security. Pasture Protection: In Issyk-Kul’s Kyrchin area, authorities fined six people after raids found vehicles damaging vegetation and soils in pastures. Green Rural Economy: The OVOP “One Village One Product” programme in Karakol is helping communities lead sustainable development by turning local knowledge into marketable products.

Protected Areas Under Threat: Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources is proposing a 20-year moratorium on reducing specially protected natural territories, warning that infrastructure and mining-driven boundary changes could fragment habitats and weaken ecosystem resilience. Biodiversity Update: Scientists have started Kyrgyzstan’s first full Red Book update in nearly two decades, with a two-year, 21 million som project to survey rare flora and fauna nationwide and build a new species database. Pasture Protection: In Issyk-Kul’s Kyrchin area, authorities found vehicles entering pastures, damaging vegetation and soils; six offenders were fined after raids. Climate Risk Cooperation: A RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue in Bishkek is focusing on coordinated mudflow and flood risk reduction, better hazard monitoring, and shared digital tools across Central Asia. Air Pollution Cut in Bishkek: The EBRD approved up to $69 million for district heating upgrades in Bishkek, aiming to reduce winter air pollution through network modernization and renewable components. Wildlife in Climate Policy: A new scientific consensus argues wildlife’s ecological roles must be included in climate strategies and nature-based solutions.

Disaster Risk Cooperation: Central Asia is gearing up for a RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue in Bishkek (June 24–26) focused on joint solutions to cut mudflow and flood risks, improve hazard monitoring, and coordinate across borders as climate change intensifies shared threats. Protected Nature Under Pressure: Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources proposes a 20-year moratorium on shrinking specially protected natural areas, warning that infrastructure and mining-driven boundary changes could fragment habitats and weaken biodiversity resilience. Red Book Update: Scientists have started Kyrgyzstan’s first full Red Book update in nearly two decades, with a two-year nationwide survey to refresh data on rare flora and fauna and strengthen protection planning. Air Pollution Fight: The parliament is set to consider a draft Environmental Code package, with lawmakers pointing to serious air pollution problems in Bishkek and violations elsewhere. Clean Heating Investment: The EBRD approved up to $69m (€64m) to modernize Bishkek’s district heating, including solar-powered upgrades and large-scale heat pumps, aiming to reduce winter air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-Linked Regional Talks: A ReCATH Phase II results conference in Bishkek reviewed progress on climate transparency and NDC implementation, with Turkmenistan among participating delegations. Energy Expansion: President Japarov backed the Kazarmin hydropower cascade plan (three stations, 912 MW) as a major future energy project to meet rising electricity demand.

Climate Policy & Regional Coordination: Turkmenistan joined Bishkek’s ReCATH Phase II final conference to review Central Asia’s progress on Paris Agreement NDCs and plan Phase III climate transparency work. Disaster Risk Reduction: A RESILAND CA+ regional dialogue opened in Bishkek to coordinate policies, roadmaps, and digital tools to cut mudflow and flood risks across Central Asia. Air Pollution & Heating Reform: The EBRD approved up to €64m (with Green Climate Fund support) to modernize Bishkek’s district heating, including solar-powered pumping upgrades and large heat pumps, aiming to reduce winter air pollution and emissions. Parliament Push for a Green Economy: Kyrgyz lawmakers flagged draft laws to tackle air pollution and consolidate environmental rules into a single Environmental Code, alongside steps to curb shadow “protection” in business approvals. Water Security & Irrigation: Donors are set to allocate $172m to modernize Kyrgyz irrigation networks, targeting water losses, stronger water security, and higher farm productivity amid climate risks. Nature & Community Action: An eco-activist began a Karakol-to-Bishkek walk to promote tree planting, with a goal of 100,000 saplings, while wildlife-focused climate commentary argues animals must be included in climate policy.

Air Pollution & Health: Bishkek’s smog debate is getting louder, with a Clean Air Initiative founder arguing coal heating and car-heavy urban planning are driving pollution, not just “environmental” factors. Heating Upgrade for Cleaner Winters: The EBRD is backing a €64m Bishkek centralized heating modernization to cut winter air pollution, including solar-powered pumping stations and large-scale heat pumps. Flood & Mudflow Response: President Sadyr Japarov ordered rapid cleanup and aid after June mudflows hit Batken, with emergency services working in intensified mode. Regional Climate Risk Work: RESILAND CA+ dialogue in Bishkek brings Central Asian governments and partners to coordinate mudflow/flood risk reduction and resilient landscape restoration. Climate Policy Tools: A Central Asia conference in Bishkek focuses on climate transparency and NDC implementation, including adaptation monitoring and climate finance. Nature & Wildlife in Focus: A commentary urges wildlife to be built into climate policy, not treated as separate from carbon and ecosystem resilience. Greening Push: An eco-activist is walking Karakol to Bishkek to promote tree planting, aiming for 100,000 saplings. Water Security for Agriculture: Donors plan $172m to modernize Kyrgyz irrigation networks to reduce water losses and boost productivity amid climate risks.

Mudflow Response in Batken: President Sadyr Japarov ordered rapid cleanup and assistance after June 19–22 mudflows hit the region, with emergency services working in intensified mode to stabilize conditions and clear roads. Clean Heating for Winter Air: Bishkek is set to get €64 million from the EBRD to modernize centralized heating, including heat pumps, solar panels for pumping stations, and upgrades to networks—aimed at cutting greenhouse gases and improving winter air quality. Water Security Push for Farmers: Donors will provide $172 million to modernize Kyrgyz irrigation, building on World Bank financing approved in June, to reduce water losses and boost agricultural productivity under climate risks. Wastewater Upgrade in Naryn: A new wastewater treatment plant is underway in Naryn with EBRD, EU, and Swiss support, targeting better public health and reduced pollution of the Naryn River. Climate Policy Coordination: A Bishkek conference reviewed progress on climate transparency and NDC implementation across Central Asia, while another regional dialogue focuses on joint mudflow and flood-risk solutions. Greening and Biodiversity: An eco-activist walked Karakol to Bishkek to promote tree planting, and Kyrgyzstan announced the July 11 Snow Leopard EcoFest in Chon-Kemin to support snow leopard conservation and eco-education.

Mudflow Response in Batken: President Sadyr Japarov ordered authorities to quickly clear mudflow aftermath from June 19–22 and provide aid to victims, with specialized services working in intensified mode. Climate Policy in Bishkek: A final conference in Bishkek reviewed ReCATH Phase II results on climate transparency and NDC implementation, and discussed next steps for Phase III across Central Asia. Regional Disaster Risk Planning: Bishkek will host a RESILAND CA+ dialogue (June 24–26) to coordinate roadmap and digital tools to cut mudflow and flood risks, improve hazard monitoring, and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Water & Pollution Control: Construction has started on a new wastewater treatment plant in Naryn with EBRD, Switzerland, and EU support, aiming to expand sewer coverage, protect the Naryn River, and reduce pollution. Irrigation Modernization Funding: International donors will provide $172 million to modernize Kyrgyz irrigation systems, including World Bank financing, to improve water security and boost farm productivity under climate change. Organic Farming Push: Kyrgyzstan is converting 66,000 hectares to organic farming, with Issyk-Kul highlighted as a pilot for scaling sustainable agriculture. Protected Nature Tourism: In 2025, 271,000 tourists visited Kyrgyzstan’s nature parks; officials also say digitalization work is underway and Blue Flag certification is planned for Issyk-Kul. Air Quality Watch (Bishkek): AQI readings stayed in the “satisfactory” range around 65–69, with PM2.5 the main pollutant.

Organic push: Kyrgyzstan is moving fast on sustainability, with a nationwide plan to convert 66,000 hectares to organic farming, using Issyk-Kul as a pilot to expand certified, environmentally safer production. Nature tourism numbers: In 2025, 271,000 tourists visited Kyrgyzstan’s nature parks, with Sary-Chelek, Kyrgyz-Ata and Besh-Tash named among the most popular, and digital upgrades underway across protected areas. Water and pollution control: Naryn is starting a major wastewater upgrade with EBRD, Switzerland and the EU support, aiming to expand sewer coverage, cut pollution into the Naryn River, and improve public health. Regional water-energy talks: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan met in Bishkek to coordinate water and electricity operations for the 2026–2027 growing and heating periods, including Toktogul reservoir planning. Snow leopard conservation: Kyrgyzstan will host the Snow Leopard EcoFest Chon-Kemin 2026 on July 11, focusing on eco-education, sustainable tourism and snow leopard awareness. Air quality watch (Bishkek): AQI readings stayed in the “satisfactory” range this week (around 62–69), with PM2.5 flagged as the main concern. Issyk-Kul tourism standards: Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce the Blue Flag certification for Issyk-Kul to raise beach and water quality to international levels.

Water & Wastewater: Naryn is getting a major wastewater upgrade with EBRD, Switzerland and the EU backing a new treatment plant, sewer extensions and pumping stations—aimed at cutting pollution into the Naryn River and boosting service coverage from about 22% to a projected 20,000 residents. Irrigation Modernization: Donors are lining up $172 million to modernize Kyrgyz irrigation, including World Bank funding for the National Irrigation Investment Program, to reduce water losses and improve farm water security under climate pressure. Regional Water-Energy Talks: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan met in Bishkek to coordinate water volumes and electricity operations for the 2026–27 growing and autumn-winter seasons, including Toktogul reservoir planning. Biodiversity & Conservation: Kyrgyzstan will host the Snow Leopard EcoFest Chon-Kemin 2026 on July 11, with eco-education, sustainable tourism activities and a focus on snow leopard conservation. Tourism Standards for Nature: Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce Blue Flag certification for Issyk-Kul to raise beach and water-quality standards, drawing on Turkey’s Antalya experience. Air Quality Watch (Bishkek): Bishkek’s AQI was reported in the “satisfactory” range (around 62–69), with PM2.5 flagged as the main pollutant. Organic Farming Push: Kyrgyzstan is moving to convert 66,000 hectares to organic farming, with Issyk-Kul named a pilot region for scaling environmentally sustainable agriculture.

Snow Leopard Conservation: Rodney Jackson, founder of the Snow Leopard Conservancy, says monitoring and community-based protection must better center herding communities and improve coordination among major snow leopard groups. Biosafety in Practice: A Naryn workshop on biosafety policy under the Cartagena Protocol focused on implementing Kyrgyzstan’s national biosafety mechanism, GMO/LMO rules, and stakeholder engagement. Water-Energy Security: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan met in Bishkek to coordinate water releases and electricity operations for the 2026–2027 growing and heating seasons, including Toktogul Reservoir replenishment. Irrigation Modernization Funding: International donors will provide $172 million to upgrade Kyrgyz irrigation, including World Bank ($95.75m), AIIB ($50m), OPEC Fund ($20m) and Swiss support ($6.25m), aiming to cut water losses and boost farm productivity under climate change. Air Quality Watch (Bishkek): AQI readings stayed in the “satisfactory” range (65–69), with PM2.5 the main pollutant. Issyk-Kul Tourism & Environment: Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce Blue Flag certification for Issyk-Kul, using Antalya’s coastal water and safety standards as a model. Waste & Enforcement: Kyrgyz authorities fined Kant’s city administration 23,000 soms after a Kant dump fire raised environmental and public-safety concerns. Urban Planning Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye signed a framework agreement to expand cooperation in urban planning and sustainable development. Clean Transport Advocacy: BishkekSmog met EBRD leadership in Riga, pushing for lifecycle protections for donor-funded trolleybuses and clearer city commitments.

Air Quality Watch (Bishkek): Bishkek’s smog stayed in the “satisfactory” range this week, with AQI readings of 69 at 16:00 and 65 at 10:00 on June 21, and 62 on June 20; PM2.5 remains the main pollutant, with Baytik village and Nagorye repeatedly among the most affected spots. Climate & Heat Signals: A June 21 temperature record was set back in 2007 (38.3°C), while forecasts for today call for cloudy weather with light rain and highs around 29°C. Issyk-Kul Forum Outcomes: The International Issyk-Kul Forum adopted a resolution urging stronger environmental protection and peacebuilding, and Kyrgyzstan also plans to introduce the Blue Flag certification for Issyk-Kul to raise water and coastal standards for tourists. Regional Disaster Readiness: Kyrgyzstan will host a June 24–26 regional dialogue on coordinating natural-hazard prevention and response, with CAREC and the RESILAND program. Mountain Ecosystems Under Scrutiny: A UN Human Rights Council statement flagged potential ecological risks from the proposed China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, warning about impacts on snow leopard habitat, mountain watersheds, and biodiversity. Waste & Enforcement: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources Ministry fined the Kant city administration 23,000 soms after a dump fire raised safety and environmental concerns. Tourism + Conservation Action: Balkhash Tour Fest drew about 35,000 visitors and included a volunteer cleanup along Lake Balkhash, tying local tourism to environmental initiatives.

Heat & air quality watch in Bishkek: June 21, 2007 set Bishkek’s hottest June record at +38.3°C, and forecasts now call for cloudy skies with light rain, up to +29°C. Air pollution snapshot: AQI in Bishkek is 65 at 10:00 (satisfactory), with PM2.5 the main pollutant; the most affected spots include Baytik village (84) and Nagorye (52). Issyk-Kul environmental diplomacy: At the Issyk-Kul International Forum, participants adopted a resolution calling for stronger environmental protection and “spiritual ecology,” and Kyrgyzstan plans to introduce the Blue Flag certification on Issyk-Kul after a study visit to Antalya to improve water cleanliness and coastal standards. Regional climate resilience planning: A RESILAND Kyrgyzstan/CAREC regional dialogue in Bishkek (June 24–26) will focus on joint mechanisms to prevent and respond to natural hazards, including transboundary risks. Clean energy & water security debates: SCO energy ministers met in Bishkek, stressing energy security and just transition, while discussion around major hydropower and shared water/energy governance continues across Central Asia. Local enforcement: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources Ministry fined Kant’s city administration 23,000 soms after a fire at the Kant dump raised environmental and public-safety concerns.

Lake Issyk-Kul Science: A new international study of Lake Issyk-Kul ecosystem started June 11, with Kyrgyz and German researchers working on water and biological processes to guide long-term protection. Climate Finance & Disaster Prep: A regional Green Climate Fund concept-note workshop wrapped up in Almaty, while Bishkek will host a June 24–26 dialogue on coordinated natural-hazard prevention and response mechanisms. Air Quality & Clean Heating: Kyrgyzstan and the World Bank discussed expanding the Air Quality Improvement Project, including modern monitoring, urban greening, and cleaner heating tech. Mountain Infrastructure Scrutiny: An EU Today statement at the UN Human Rights Council raised concerns about the proposed China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway’s risks to fragile high-mountain ecosystems and snow leopard habitat. Pollution Enforcement: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources Ministry fined the Kant city administration after a fire at the Kant dump, citing environmental and resident safety impacts. Energy & Water Cooperation Debate: A new analysis revisits the Kambarata-1 dam as a real test of durable cross-border rules for shared water and power. Regional Energy Talks: SCO energy ministers met in Bishkek, stressing energy security and cooperation, including support for Iran’s regional integrity. Green Investment Push: The EIB opened a Central Asia regional office in Tashkent, with a pipeline targeting transport, water management, clean energy, and climate resilience—relevant for Kyrgyz hydropower projects like Kambarata-1.