AGP Executive Report

Air Quality & Corruption Probe: Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security detained the head of the Central Laboratory under the Natural Resources ministry over alleged manipulation and inflated coal quality test results for Bishkek’s heating power plant—an alleged scheme blamed for damage to equipment and worsening air quality. Mining Oversight: In Naryn’s Solton-Sary Valley, officials inspected a tailing dump tied to gold plant modernization and reported no serious environmental violations, with monitoring to continue through construction and acceptance planned for August 2026. Water Security Funding: International donors pledged $172 million to modernize Kyrgyzstan’s irrigation, including World Bank support and co-financing from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, OPEC Fund, and a Swiss grant—aimed at cutting water losses and boosting farm resilience under climate stress. Mountain Climate Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and the World Bank discussed expanding work on environmental protection and climate policy, highlighting air-quality monitoring upgrades, urban greening, clean heating, and preparations for the 2027 “Bishkek+25” global mountain summit. Biodiversity & Pastures: A tender under the SYMBIOTIC project invites Kyrgyz legal entities to run public education and sustainable pasture management activities to strengthen biodiversity conservation. Desertification Response: Kyrgyz officials joined a China–Central Asia conference on combating desertification, focusing on restoring degraded lands, soil erosion control, and water-saving ecological methods. Local Waste Enforcement: A resident was fined for illegal household waste dumping in Konstantinovka and ordered to clean up the area, with penalties reaching up to 23,000 soms. Clean Energy Push: Kyrgyzstan inaugurated the first phase of the ROX Issyk-Kul solar power plant (175 MW), with the full 1,900 MW project expected by end-2028 and claims of major water savings for the Toktogul reservoir.

Water Security: International donors pledged $172 million to modernize Kyrgyzstan’s irrigation system, aiming to cut losses and improve reliability as droughts, floods, and sedimentation strain water supplies. Biodiversity & Land Use: Kyrgyzstan opened a tender under the SYMBIOTIC project to boost biodiversity conservation and integrate it into public processes, including sustainable pasture management. Coal & Air/Environment Risks: Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security detained the head of the Central Laboratory under the Natural Resources Ministry over alleged fraud in coal quality testing for Bishkek’s heating plant, with claims of damage to equipment and worsening environmental conditions. Mining Oversight: Authorities inspected a tailing dump site in Solton-Sary (Naryn) tied to gold plant modernization and said no serious environmental violations were found, with monitoring to continue through construction. Energy Transition: Kyrgyzstan inaugurated the first phase of the ROX Issyk-Kul solar plant (175 MW) in Issyk-Kul, part of a plan up to 1,900 MW to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on hydropower. Desertification Cooperation: Kyrgyz officials joined a China–Central Asia conference focused on combating desertification, land degradation, and restoring degraded ecosystems. Local Enforcement: A resident was fined for illegal household waste dumping and ordered to clean up the area, with penalties reaching up to 23,000 soms.

Irrigation Upgrade: International donors pledged $172 million to modernize Kyrgyzstan’s irrigation and boost water security, with World Bank support ($95.75m) plus AIIB, OPEC Fund, and a Swiss grant—aimed at cutting losses and raising farm productivity as droughts, floods, and sedimentation intensify. Solar Power Push: Kyrgyzstan officially opened the first phase of the ROX Issyk-Kul solar plant in Issyk-Kul (175 MW), part of a planned 1,900 MW project—expected to reduce pressure on hydropower by saving water in the Toktogul reservoir. Desertification Cooperation: Kyrgyz emergency officials joined a China–Central Asia conference on combating desertification, focusing on restoring degraded lands, soil erosion control, and water-saving technologies. Pollution Enforcement: A resident was fined for illegal household waste dumping and ordered to clean up the area, with penalties reported up to 23,000 soms. Air Quality Update: Bishkek’s air was reported good (33 AQI), with PM2.5 flagged as the main pollutant. Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan introduced a nationwide ban on the highly toxic pesticide isofenphos-methyl, prohibiting production, import, sale, storage, transport, and use. Mountain Biodiversity: Central Asian countries signed a declaration on protecting mountain ecosystems and wildlife, including snow leopards and other rare species, with attention to climate change and habitat fragmentation.

Irrigation Upgrade: International donors pledged $172 million to modernize Kyrgyzstan’s irrigation system, including $95.75m from the World Bank and $50m from the AIIB, aiming to cut water losses and boost farm productivity as droughts, floods, and sedimentation strain supplies. Clean Energy Push: In Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan launched the first phase of the ROX Issyk-Kul solar plant (175 MW), with the full project planned to reach about 1,900 MW by 2028—expected to save water in the Toktogul reservoir and reduce reliance on hydropower. Desertification Cooperation: Kyrgyz emergency officials joined a “China–Central Asia” conference on combating desertification, focusing on restoring degraded lands, soil erosion control, and water-saving technologies. Waste Enforcement: A resident was fined for illegal household waste dumping in Konstantinovka; inspectors also required cleanup, with penalties reported up to 23,000 soms. Toxic Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan introduced a nationwide ban on isofenphos-methyl, prohibiting production, import, sale, storage, transport, and use due to health and environmental risks. Biodiversity & Mountains: Central Asian countries signed a mountain ecosystem and wildlife protection document under the GEF, targeting transboundary corridors and species like snow leopards and saiga. Air Quality Check: Bishkek’s AQI was reported at 33 (good) with PM2.5 listed as the main pollutant.

Solar Energy Push in Issyk-Kul: Kyrgyzstan has started the first phase of the “ROX Issyk-Kul” solar power plant near Kyzyl-Oruk, with 175 MW online and a planned total capacity of about 1,900 MW by 2028, aiming to cut hydropower dependence and save water in the Toktogul reservoir. Green Finance for Climate-Ready SMEs: The Guarantee Fund and Kyrgyzstan’s Finance Ministry signed a deal for a “green guarantees” mechanism under a World Bank project, with $59 million earmarked to back environmentally friendly technologies and climate resilience for small businesses. Wildlife & Mountain Ecosystem Protection: Central Asian countries signed a declaration on joint protection of mountain ecosystems and wildlife at a GEF assembly, focusing on biodiversity, transboundary ecological corridors, and species such as snow leopards and saiga. Air Quality Update (Bishkek): Bishkek’s AQI was reported at 33 (good) with PM2.5 listed as the main pollutant. Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan introduced a nationwide ban on the highly toxic pesticide isofenphos-methyl, prohibiting production, import, sale, storage, transport, and use. Health & Environment Link: Kyrgyzstan is also rolling out a government-sponsored reality TV fitness program (“New Path”) to tackle obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

Solar Energy Push: Kyrgyzstan has launched the first phase of the ROX Issyk-Kul solar power plant near Kyzyl-Oruk, with 175 MW online and a total planned capacity up to 1,900 MW by 2028, aiming to cut hydropower dependence and save large volumes of water in the Toktogul reservoir. Green Finance: The Guarantee Fund and Kyrgyzstan’s Finance Ministry signed a deal to set up a “green guarantees” mechanism under a World Bank project, with $59 million earmarked to help MSMEs adopt environmentally friendly technologies and build climate resilience. Air Quality Check: Bishkek’s air was reported at 33 AQI (good) on June 14, with PM2.5 flagged as the main pollutant. Toxic Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan introduced a nationwide ban on isofenphos-methyl, prohibiting its production, import, sale, storage, transport, and use due to health and environmental risks. Wildlife Protection & Poaching: Authorities are stepping up anti-poaching efforts, including mounted units in Issyk-Kul to protect ecosystems and rare species. Mountain Ecosystems: Central Asian countries signed a declaration to jointly protect mountain ecosystems and wildlife, including snow leopards and saiga, with new GEF-backed funding cycles. Green Health Policy: A “One Health” consultation package for Central Asia’s pandemic prevention, food systems resilience, and ecosystem health has wrapped up ahead of the next regional council meeting. EU-Central Asia Diplomacy: Envoys met in Almaty to coordinate approaches on Afghanistan, including regional stability and expanding transport and transit routes that could reshape trade links.

Green Finance: The Guarantee Fund says a World Bank-backed “Green Guarantees” mechanism will be funded with $59 million to back environmentally friendly technologies and climate resilience for MSMEs in Kyrgyzstan. Solar Power Push: President Sadyr Japarov opened the first phase of the ROX Issyk-Kul solar plant (175 MW) in Kyzyl-Oruk, with the full project planned at about 1,900 MW by end-2028; officials say it will cut reliance on hydropower and save large volumes of water in the Toktogul reservoir. Air Quality Check: Bishkek’s AQI was reported at 33 (good) on June 14, with PM2.5 named as the main pollutant. Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan fully banned isofenphos-methyl nationwide—covering production, registration, import/export, sale, storage, transport, and use—citing serious risks to health and the environment. Waste-to-Energy Expansion: Bishkek has started the second phase of its waste-to-energy plant, aiming to raise processing capacity up to 3,000 tons of municipal waste per day and generate about 307 million kWh annually once completed. Mountain Biodiversity: Central Asian countries signed a declaration to jointly protect mountain ecosystems and wildlife, including snow leopards, argali, and saiga. One Health Cooperation: Regional “One Health” consultations in Central Asia wrapped up, focusing on pandemic prevention, food system sustainability, and ecosystem health. Wildlife Enforcement: Kyrgyzstan continues cracking down on poaching to protect rare wildlife, including actions in the Issyk-Kul region.

Renewable Energy Push: President Sadyr Japarov opened the first phase of the “ROX Issyk-Kul” solar power plant in Kyzyl-Oruk, Issyk-Kul region. The 175 MW stage (about $130–131 million) is now operating, with the full project planned to reach around 1,900 MW by end-2028; officials say it will ease Kyrgyzstan’s electricity deficit and cut pressure on the Toktogul reservoir, potentially saving up to 362 million cubic meters of water annually at first phase. Waste & Clean Power: Bishkek has started the second phase of its waste-to-energy plant at the main landfill, adding a second processing unit (up to 2,000 tons/day) and a 60 MW power complex; the expansion is expected to process up to 3,000 tons/day and generate about 307 million kWh per year. Air Quality Check: Bishkek’s AQI was reported at 33 (good) on June 14, with PM2.5 listed as the main pollutant. Toxic Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan introduced a nationwide ban on isofenphos-methyl—covering production, registration, import/export, sale, storage, transport, and use—citing serious risks to health and the environment. Mountain Nature Cooperation: Central Asian countries signed a declaration on joint protection of mountain ecosystems and wildlife, including snow leopards, argali, and saiga, with a focus on transboundary ecological corridors and climate impacts.

Air Quality Watch (Bishkek): Bishkek’s AQI hit 33 at 11:00 on June 14, rated “good,” with PM2.5 the main pollutant; Baytik village and Nagorye were the most affected spots (44). SCO Focus on Sustainable Development: At the SCO 25th-anniversary forum, leaders stressed Central Asia as a key space for aligning interests and pushing sustainable development alongside security. Climate & Environment Policy: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources ministry met the UN resident coordinator to discuss climate policy implementation, air-quality monitoring, pollution reduction, and preparations for the Bishkek+25 Mountain Summit. Pesticide Crackdown: Kyrgyzstan banned isofenphos-methyl nationwide—no production, registration, import/export, sale, storage, transport, or use—citing health and environmental risks. Waste-to-Energy Expansion (Bishkek): The city started the second phase of its waste-to-energy plant, aiming to process up to 3,000 tons of municipal waste per day and add major power generation. Mountain Ecosystem Protection (Central Asia): Central Asian countries signed a declaration to jointly protect mountain ecosystems and wildlife, including snow leopards and saiga.

Pesticide Ban: Kyrgyzstan has introduced a nationwide complete ban on isofenphos-methyl pesticides, prohibiting production, registration, import/export, sale, storage, transport and use—aimed at protecting public health and the environment. Waste & Energy: Bishkek has started the second phase of its waste-to-energy plant, adding a second processing unit (up to 2,000 tons/day) and a 60 MW power complex; officials say it will cut landfill pressure and reduce CO2 emissions by about 312,000 tons per year once running. Climate Policy: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources Ministry met the UN Resident Coordinator to discuss the new Law “On Climate Activity,” climate finance and monitoring, plus air quality and pollution reduction; preparations for the Bishkek+25 Mountain Summit were also on the agenda. Extreme Heat Context: Meteorologists highlighted that June 13, 2000 in Bishkek hit +36.1°C, underscoring how fast heat records can shift as the region faces worsening climate risks. Regional One Health: Central Asia’s “One Health” consultations wrapped up, aligning countries on pandemic prevention, food system resilience and ecosystem health ahead of the June 25 regional council meeting. Bilateral Environment Links: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia signed cooperation documents that include veterinary medicine and broader environmental protection ties, alongside talks on transport connectivity.

Heat and climate risk: NOAA confirms El Niño has started, with forecasts warning it could intensify into a “super El Niño,” raising the odds of extreme weather worldwide—bad news for already climate-stressed regions. Local weather record: Bishkek saw a historic June 13 heat record in 2000 (+36.1°C), and forecasts for June 13 now point to another very warm day (+32°C). Health-and-ecosystem planning: Central Asia’s “One Health” consultations wrapped up, aiming to align regional rules for pandemic prevention, food system resilience, and ecosystem health ahead of a June 25 council meeting. Bishkek waste-to-energy expansion: Construction has begun on the second phase of Bishkek’s waste-to-energy plant, targeting up to 3,000 tons of municipal waste processed per day and cutting landfill pressure while adding power and reducing CO₂ emissions. Air quality and climate policy: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources ministry met UN leadership to discuss climate implementation under the new “On Climate Activity” law, including air quality monitoring and pollution reduction. Wildlife protection: Kyrgyzstan is tightening pesticide controls, banning isofenphos-methyl nationwide due to health and environmental risks. Regional cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and Georgia signed multiple agreements during a high-level visit, including cooperation that touches environmental protection and veterinary medicine.

Waste & Energy: Bishkek has started the second phase of its waste-to-energy plant at the main landfill, aiming to process up to 2,000 tons of municipal waste per day and add a 60 MW power complex—expected to cut landfill pressure and improve air and environmental conditions as construction is set to take about three years. Wildlife Protection: Kyrgyzstan is stepping up anti-poaching and ecosystem safeguards in the Issyk-Kul region, including creating a mounted unit within the Interior Ministry and intensifying round-the-clock public order in tourist areas. Climate Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea agreed to accelerate joint carbon reduction projects under UN climate rules, with procedures for carbon-credit cooperation and guidelines for a bilateral committee. Transboundary Ecosystems: Central Asian countries signed a mountain ecosystem declaration at the GEF, backing regional action for biodiversity and shared natural landscapes. Snow Leopard Connectivity: Kyrgyzstan designated the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor—nearly 800,000 hectares—to help snow leopards and other mountain wildlife move as climate shifts habitats, using a regulatory (not land-withdrawal) approach. Water & Agriculture Links: Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland discussed expanding cooperation on water management and organic agriculture, building on Switzerland’s support for Kyrgyz water permitting reforms. Regional Policy for Degraded Land: A CAREC analytical report under RESILAND CA+ urges harmonized cross-border policies for degraded land restoration, biodiversity conservation, wildfire prevention, and sustainable natural resource use.

Wildlife enforcement: Kyrgyz authorities detained an illegal hunter in Chui’s Kemin district and confiscated two wild boars, a roe deer, two pheasants and a chukar partridge; the man was fined 212,000 soms and banned from hunting for three years. Rare plant protection: In Naryn, inspectors found a resident drying roots of the rare endik (Macrotomia); 54.65 kg was seized and the person was fined 10,000 soms under the law, with endik collection under a moratorium. Conservation for climate-ready habitats: Kyrgyzstan has formalized the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor (nearly 800,000 hectares) to help snow leopards and other mountain wildlife move as climate change shifts habitats, using a regulatory (not land-withdrawal) approach. Climate cooperation: South Korea and Kyrgyzstan agreed to speed up joint carbon-reduction projects under UN climate rules, aiming to boost private investment and greenhouse-gas cuts. Water and land resilience: Central Asia’s CAWLN Water-Land Nexus program moved into implementation, targeting integrated management of shrinking rivers and degraded land across five countries, including Kyrgyzstan. Green energy planning: Kyrgyzstan discussed renewable projects with China Energy Engineering Investment Company, including possible solar and wind plants up to 700 MW, alongside continued hydropower modernization. Aviation safety & sustainability: Kyrgyzstan and the EU discussed expanding aviation cooperation after Kyrgyzstan’s removal from the EU Aviation Safety List, with a focus on aligning regulations and improving flight safety.

Climate Governance: Central Asia’s Climate Change Conference (CACCC) is being built into a regular regional platform to turn NDC and adaptation plans into coordinated action, with a push to mobilize climate finance and link governments, scientists, business, and civil society. Wildlife Protection: Kyrgyzstan has formalized the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor (nearly 800,000 hectares) to help snow leopards and other mountain wildlife move as climate shifts habitats, using a regulatory (not land-withdrawal) approach. Anti-Poaching Enforcement: A Chui resident was fined 212,000 soms for illegal hunting, and in Naryn authorities confiscated 54.65 kg of rare endik plant roots, fining the person 10,000 soms. Climate Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea agreed to accelerate carbon-reduction projects under Paris Agreement Article 6.2 rules, aiming to speed greenhouse gas cuts and unlock private investment. Water & Agriculture Partnerships: Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland discussed expanding cooperation on water permitting, organic agriculture, climate resilience, and digitalization of farming. Energy Transition: Kyrgyzstan is pursuing more renewables (solar/wind up to 700 MW) alongside hydropower modernization to reduce seasonal vulnerability.

Wildlife protection: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources authorities fined a Chui resident 212,000 soms after illegal hunting in Kemin district, confiscating wild boars, roe deer, pheasants and chukar partridge, and banning him from hunting for three years. Rare plant crackdown: In Naryn, inspectors seized 54.65 kg of illegally dried endik (Macrotomia) roots and fined the person 10,000 soms; the plant is under a moratorium and illegal harvesting is punishable. Climate cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea agreed to speed up joint carbon-reduction projects under the Paris Agreement, including rules for carbon-credit cooperation. Biodiversity corridors: Kyrgyzstan officially designated the Ak Ilbirs ecological corridor (nearly 800,000 hectares) to help snow leopards and other mountain wildlife move as climate shifts habitats. Energy transition: Kyrgyzstan is discussing up to $1 billion in solar and wind projects (up to 700 MW) alongside modernization of hydropower to cut seasonal water-linked vulnerabilities. Regional water action: The GEF’s Central Asia Water-Land Nexus (CAWLN) moved into implementation, aiming to tackle shrinking rivers and land degradation across five countries.

Water & Land Cooperation: Central Asia’s CAWLN Water-Land Nexus programme has moved into implementation, backed by the GEF and carried out with FAO, aiming to tackle shrinking rivers and degraded soils across five countries that share the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins. Wildlife Protection: Kyrgyzstan is tightening enforcement against poaching, with new fines for killing Red Book species and recent raids in the Suusamyr Valley. Pasture Degradation: Kyrgyz officials say at least 24% of pasture lands are degraded, with a 2024–2029 pasture development plan leaving more land to rest each year. Climate Mitigation in Kyrgyzstan: FAO reports 400,000+ forest and fruit tree seedlings planted across Kyrgyzstan under a Green Climate Fund-backed project to boost carbon storage and resilience. Green Transport Safety: Kyrgyzstan is drafting stricter fire-safety rules for electric vehicle charging stations at gas stations as part of its Green Economy programme to reduce accident risks. Regional Water Quality Standards: A CAREC workshop in Shymkent focused on improving water quality monitoring methods and risk-based assessment approaches for Central Asia. Fertilizer Pressure: Kyrgyzstan’s mineral fertilizer supply and prices are being hit by logistics disruptions tied to developments in Iran, with prices reportedly up 40–50% this year. Snow Leopard & Panda Youth Initiative: Kyrgyz and Chinese youth launched “Defenders of the Panda and Snow Leopard” to raise conservation awareness and build cross-border environmental cooperation.