AGP Executive Report

Uranium cleanup update: Engineers found radioactive tailings inside a dam at Mailuu-Suu, forcing Kyrgyz authorities to move waste to safer ground and revise the IAEA cleanup plan; cleanup is expected to run until 2032, with long-term monitoring needed to keep contamination contained. Waste-to-energy in Bishkek: An interagency commission inspected Bishkek’s municipal solid waste plant and reviewed performance and finances; a second phase is planned to raise capacity to 3,000 tonnes of waste per day, with operations assessed under environmental law. Corruption & environmental compliance: Kyrgyzstan and Belarus discussed cyber-fraud cases and the need to share prosecutorial experience, including oversight related to compliance with environmental legislation. Green branding for walnuts: Kyrgyzstan is developing a national “Kyrgyz Zhangak” brand to promote walnuts abroad, including an origin focus on Jalal-Abad wild walnuts with a registered geographical indication. Digital governance for the environment: Kyrgyzstan’s state secretary pushed SCO digital cooperation, including pilot projects for environmental monitoring, alongside AI and digital trade. SCO economic efficiency: SCO leaders reiterated plans to improve economic interaction mechanisms, linking the Bishkek summit agenda to broader sustainable development goals. Kyrgyzstan–South Korea science push: Kyrgyz and Korean officials discussed AI, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and joint labs—areas that can support greener monitoring and farming. Kyrgyzstan–South Korea critical minerals: Kyrgyzstan presented a critical minerals development strategy emphasizing transparency, investor stability, infrastructure, ESG, and community support. Kyrgyzstan–South Korea agreements: After President Japarov’s visit, the countries signed 18–19 documents spanning customs, trade, investment, urban development, energy, and labor migration.

Mountain Biodiversity & Snow Leopards: Kyrgyzstan’s Special Representative on the Mountain Agenda, Dinara Kemelova, met Germany’s NABU to discuss expanding work on mountain ecosystems, biodiversity, glacier protection, and the snow leopard, including plans to strengthen the Kemin wildlife rehabilitation center and prepare for the 2027 “Bishkek+25” Global Mountain Summit. Kyrgyzstan–South Korea Environmental/Resource Link: At the Korea–Central Asia Business Summit in Seoul, Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources Minister Akyl Toktobaev presented the country’s Critical Minerals Development Strategy, stressing transparency, investor stability, infrastructure and technology upgrades, ESG alignment, and cooperation across the full mining-to-processing chain. Kyrgyzstan–South Korea Cooperation Package: Following President Sadyr Zhaparov’s Seoul visit, Kyrgyzstan and South Korea signed 19 agreements covering customs, investment promotion, halal certification, urban development, PPPs, labor migration, and more—setting up new channels that can shape future environmental and resource projects. Leave-No-Trace Culture on the Steppe: A temporary “White Salt City” art festival on Uzbekistan’s Barsakelmes salt flat highlighted strict dismantling and waste removal rules, echoing conservation-minded approaches relevant to fragile Central Asian landscapes. Cyber & Energy Security Watch: A report links SilkParasite cyber-espionage activity to SpiceRAT infrastructure targeting government and energy-related entities across Central Asia, raising risks for critical systems.

Kyrgyzstan–South Korea deals: After Sadyr Zhaparov’s Seoul visit, Kyrgyzstan and South Korea signed 19 agreements covering customs, investment promotion, urban development, critical minerals, energy, agriculture, security, culture and labor migration—aimed at upgrading the partnership to a “new level.” Critical minerals strategy: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources minister presented the country’s Critical Minerals Development Strategy at a Korea–Central Asia business summit, stressing transparency, investor stability, infrastructure and technology, and ESG alignment while inviting joint projects from investors and technology firms. Mountain biodiversity cooperation: Kyrgyzstan’s Mountain Agenda special representative met Germany’s NABU to expand work on mountain ecosystems, biodiversity, glacier protection as water sources, and snow leopard conservation, including plans around the Kemin wildlife rehabilitation center and the 2027 “Bishkek+25” summit. Wildlife conservation focus: NABU also discussed training specialists and snow leopard conservation festivals, reinforcing Kyrgyzstan’s push to protect high-mountain habitats and endangered species. Regional connectivity context: Separate coverage around the Korea–Central Asia summit framed cooperation around supply chains and connectivity—key for moving resources, including minerals, toward processing and manufacturing.

Mountain Biodiversity & Snow Leopards: Kyrgyzstan’s Special Representative for the Mountain Agenda Dinara Kemelova met Germany’s NABU to expand work on mountain ecosystems, biodiversity, glacier protection, and the snow leopard—plus plans for the Kemin wildlife rehabilitation center and Kyrgyz festivals tied to International Snow Leopard Day. Hazardous Waste Cleanup: Kyrgyzstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry says up to 155 tons of toxic chemicals left at the former Crystal plant in Tash-Kumyr will be neutralized after 15+ years, with monitoring during stabilization, controlled opening, and alkaline hydrolysis. Korea–Central Asia Climate & Environment Link: At the Seoul Declaration signing after the first Korea–Central Asia summit, leaders set a 30-year cooperation agenda and agreed to deepen ties that explicitly include climate and the environment, alongside critical minerals, energy, supply chains, and emerging tech. Urban Greening in Bishkek: An expert warns Bishkek’s greenery is uneven—decorative areas get attention while residential neighborhoods face dust and low vegetation—urging climate-adapted planting focused on ecological benefits. Water-Energy Risk for the Region: A report on the Aug. 14 blackout traces the trigger to Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul hydropower plant trip, showing how one failure can cascade across Central Asia’s power system under climate and demand pressure.

Hazardous cleanup: Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations says up to 155 tons of hazardous chemicals left at the former Crystal plant in Tash-Kumyr will be neutralized, with work prepared after the site was improperly mothballed when the plant shut down in 2010; the process will include controlled opening, gas neutralization, removal, and alkaline hydrolysis, while monitoring continues at every stage. Water & wildlife risk: A fish die-off was reported in the Barskoon River in Jeti-Oguz district (Issyk-Kul region) after 18 dead fish were found; samples of water and fish have been sent for lab testing to determine the cause. Urban greening: An expert says Bishkek’s greenery is uneven, with decorative flowerbeds getting attention while residential areas face dust and lack of vegetation; he argues greening should prioritize ecological benefits like dust and heat protection. Mining & environment capacity: British businesses met in Bishkek to discuss Kyrgyzstan’s mining investment climate and technologies, including environmental safety and tailings management, with data cited on hundreds of active subsoil licenses and growing critical minerals interest. Policy & climate cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea leaders agreed to expand cooperation that explicitly includes climate action and the environment as part of a broader 30-year partnership framework.

Korea–Central Asia Summit: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov arrived in South Korea for an official visit and will join the first Central Asia–Republic of Korea leaders summit in Seoul, with talks expected to cover cooperation on strategic resources, supply chains, AI, and critical minerals. Climate & energy finance: The World Bank signaled it will keep backing Kyrgyzstan’s priority infrastructure and energy projects, including the Kambar-Ata HPP-1 push, as Kyrgyz officials met World Bank leadership in Bishkek. Mining & water risks: British firms met Kyrgyzstan’s mining sector in Bishkek, with discussions including tailings management and water resources; the event highlighted a growing pipeline of licenses and rising foreign investment in mineral extraction. Circular economy: Kyrgyzstan is creating a waste-recycler registry and stepping up licensing for recycling businesses, covering paper/cardboard, plastics, textiles, PET bottle processing, and polymer bag production. Biodiversity protection: The natural resources ministry met NABU to plan support for snow leopard rehabilitation, cooperation on CITES/CMS/Ramsar work, and updates to Kyrgyzstan’s Red Book using newer science. Air quality monitoring: An air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, adding to local environmental oversight. Health & environment link: The health ministry urged parents to manage autumn allergies by reducing indoor dust, mites, and mold exposure. Transport & pollution angle: A new tire recycling plant launched in Tokmok can process worn tires into rubber crumb for safer surfaces, aiming to cut local waste.

Circular Economy Push: Kyrgyzstan is creating a digital registry of waste recyclers and stepping up licensing, with pre-licensing visits to firms handling cardboard/paper, plastics and textiles, plus PET bottle processing and polymer bag recycling. Waste-to-Value Expansion: A new tire recycling plant in Tokmok (run by Kumtor Gold Company) has officially opened, aiming to turn worn tires into rubber crumb for tiles, mats and playground surfaces, while also accepting third-party tires for paid disposal. Green Energy Funding: Kyrgyzstan’s energy transition got a boost as lawmakers approved an iFIRST financing deal with the World Bank/IDA, offering up to $50M in grant support to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve electricity efficiency. Biodiversity & Snow Leopard Work: The Natural Resources ministry met NABU to expand cooperation on biodiversity research, snow leopard rehabilitation, and updating Kyrgyzstan’s Red Book using fresh scientific data. Air Quality Monitoring: An air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, strengthening local environmental oversight. Health & Environment Link: The Health Ministry urged parents to prepare for autumn allergies, warning that indoor dust mites and mold can worsen symptoms and advising practical prevention steps. Mining With Environmental Safety Focus: British firms met Kumtor Gold to discuss exploration, tailings management, water resources and environmental safety technologies.

Waste & Circular Economy: A new tire recycling plant opened in Tokmok, able to process up to 6,000 tons of rubber crumb per year for tiles, mats and playground surfaces, while Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources ministry is also building a digital registry of licensed waste recyclers and urging firms handling cardboard, plastic, textiles and polymer bags to get proper permits. Air & Water Risks: An air quality monitoring station has opened in Osh, adding to efforts to track pollution impacts as Bishkek faces growing water-stress concerns. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Iran has proposed a regional conservation program for the Caspian seal, including monitoring, rescue centers and training, to be discussed under the Tehran Convention. Regional Water Governance: Central Asian countries adopted a practical summary for a UN program for the Aral Sea basin, outlining legal and financing steps for the UN SPAS. Mining & Environment: An AzerGold delegation visited Kyrgyzaltyn’s Altynken mine and Kara-Balta refinery to review production and environmental requirements, while an Indian-backed Solton-Sary gold project moved into production-stage test operations in Naryn. Policy & Oversight: Kyrgyzstan’s cabinet approved updated pay rules for non-civil-servant state employees, and the Jogorku Kenesh reviewed 2025 budget execution, including unspent social-sector funds.

Waste & Circular Economy: Kyrgyzstan’s Natural Resources ministry is pushing recycling firms to get proper licenses, warning that unlicensed work could bring administrative liability; inspectors checked enterprises turning cardboard, paper, plastic, and textiles into packaging, carpets, mats, PET flakes for export, and even plastic pipes and buckets, with plans to expand waste categories and build a digital registry of recyclers. Green Policy & Water/Aral Sea: Central Asian states adopted a practical summary for a UN program for the Aral Sea basin, setting out how the UN Special Program would work and be financed, after a Sept. 11–12 meeting in Turkmenistan. Air & Environment Monitoring: An air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, adding to Kyrgyzstan’s push to track pollution. Mining & Environment Risk: An Indian-backed gold project moved into production at the high-altitude Solton-Sary deposit, with a processing plant starting test operations in Naryn—raising both jobs hopes and the need for strong environmental oversight. Regional Climate/Green Economy Research: A Turkic Economies 2025 report on green economy transition was published, focusing on climate resilience, energy systems, environmental pressures, and financing needs across Turkic states. Diplomacy & Supply Chains (Climate-linked): South Korea and Central Asian partners agreed to strengthen critical-mineral supply chains and AI-linked cooperation, with Kyrgyzstan included in the talks.

Air Quality & Urban Environment: An air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, aiming to improve local tracking of pollution levels. Greening & Land Stewardship: In Kychyn (Issyk-Kul region), organizers sowed perennial lawn grasses in areas where yurts stood, boosting green space and local ecological conditions. Accountability in Tree-Planting: Kyrgyz lawmakers and environmental voices criticized “tree planting for reports,” warning that survival rates, watering, and long-term care are often ignored—calling for monitoring beyond the number of seedlings. Water & Climate Risk Awareness: An environmentalist warned that Bishkek could face water shortages and urged preparation now, as climate pressures grow. Waste & Pollution Policy: Kyrgyzstan is moving toward a state program for sustainable waste management, alongside proposals to strengthen legal protections for glaciers from pollution. Local Clean-Up Campaigns: After the Nomad Games, the “Taza Muras”/“Clean Heritage” ecological campaign kicked off, pushing community action for a cleaner environment. Regional Green Finance: The Turkic Green Finance Council held a second meeting in Astana, signaling continued momentum for sustainable investment across the region. Electric Mobility in Talas: Talas received 30 electric buses, a step toward cleaner urban transport. EU Support for Flood Recovery: The EU provided €90,000 in response to flash floods in Kyrgyzstan.

Greening & land restoration: In Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region, the Kychyn ethnographic village is getting a practical makeover: after yurts and temporary structures were dismantled, organizers sowed perennial lawn grasses chosen for local conditions to boost green space and improve the local ecological situation. Accountability for “tree planting” campaigns: A Kyrgyz parliament deputy criticized greening drives for focusing on planting numbers and publicity, warning that watering, care, and survival rates are often not tracked—so “reports” may not reflect real forest recovery. Local environmental governance: Kyrgyzstan is also moving toward stronger waste and glacier protection planning, including a push for a state waste management program and legal measures to protect glaciers from pollution. Clean-up of old materials: Tokmok opened a new factory aimed at turning old tires into something useful instead of letting them pile up as trash. Air quality monitoring: An air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, adding another tool for tracking pollution levels. Urban sustainability push: Talas received 30 electric buses, part of efforts to cut emissions and modernize local transport.

Air Quality Monitoring: An air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, a step toward better tracking of pollution levels and public health risks. Urban Clean Transport: President Sadyr Japarov handed over the keys to 30 electric buses for Talas, signaling a push to cut emissions in city transport. Waste & Recycling: A new tire-recycling factory opened in Tokmok, sorting used tires for restoration or processing rubber crumb for playgrounds and sports facilities instead of landfill disposal. Greening Accountability: Kyrgyz lawmakers criticized “tree planting for reports,” warning that survival rates, watering, and long-term care are often ignored—calling for real monitoring of greening results. Water & Climate Risk: An environmentalist warned that Bishkek faces water shortage risks and urged preparation now, as climate pressures intensify. Glacier Protection Funding: Kyrgyzstan plans to establish a fund to protect glaciers and the Issyk-Kul ecosystem, alongside legal proposals to shield glaciers from pollution. Local Environment Governance: The government discussed a state program for sustainable waste management, aiming to improve how waste is handled across regions.

Greening Accountability: Kyrgyz lawmakers and environmentalists are pushing back on “tree planting for reports,” saying survival, watering, and long-term care are often ignored in campaigns like “Zhashyl Muras,” with no survival-rate data shared. Circular Economy in Action: A new tire-recycling factory opened in Tokmok, restoring usable tires and grinding the rest into rubber crumb for playgrounds and sports facilities, aiming to process about 150 tons of waste tires per month. Air Quality Monitoring: An air quality monitoring station has opened in Osh, adding to local efforts to track pollution levels. Water Security Warning: An environmentalist warns Bishkek faces serious water risks, urging preparation before shortages worsen. Glacier Protection Funding: Kyrgyzstan is setting up a fund to preserve glaciers and the Issyk-Kul ecosystem, alongside proposals to strengthen legal protections against glacier pollution. Local Clean-Up Culture: After the World Nomad Games, campaigns like “Taza Muras” and “Clean Heritage” are kicking off to improve environmental and heritage cleanliness.

Independence Day in Talas: President Sadyr Japarov joined large celebrations for Kyrgyzstan’s 35th anniversary, praising national unity, heritage, and sustainable development, and stressing harmony between people and nature. Air quality in Osh: A new air quality monitoring station opened in Osh, a step toward better tracking of pollution and cleaner-air planning. Electric buses for Talas: Japarov handed over 30 electric buses to Talas, signaling a push for lower-emission public transport. Water stress warning for Bishkek: An environmentalist warned that “No water, no city,” urging early preparation for potential water shortages in the capital. Glacier and Issyk-Kul protection fund: Kyrgyzstan set up a fund to preserve glaciers and the ecosystem of Issyk-Kul, alongside legal proposals to protect glaciers from pollution. Climate planning: Kyrgyzstan drafted a climate adaptation plan through 2035, aiming to reduce climate risks and improve resilience. Waste management push: The government moved to develop a state program for sustainable waste management. Regional nuclear-free zone reaffirmed: Central Asian foreign ministers, including Kyrgyzstan’s, renewed commitment to the CANWFZ treaty on its 20th anniversary, highlighting disarmament and security.

Climate & Water Risk: An environmentalist warns Bishkek could face a drinking-water shortage if urban development ignores natural ecosystems and water resources, urging rainwater harvesting and reuse of treated wastewater while new infrastructure is still being built. Disaster Response: The EU is sending €90,000 in humanitarian aid for flash-flood and mudflow victims in Kyrgyzstan’s Nooken district, including cash support, safe-water and hygiene guidance, and community clean-up. Clean Transport: President Sadyr Japarov handed Talas 30 electric buses, with charging stations and new routes planned to cut air pollution and improve energy efficiency. Air Quality Monitoring: A new air quality monitoring station has opened in Osh, strengthening local pollution tracking. Regional Connectivity: Kyrgyzstan and China are negotiating a winter 2026/2027 direct flight between Bishkek and Sanya, building on SCO-era transport and tourism cooperation. Sustainable Tourism Planning: CAREC’s tourism working group met to push cross-border travel integration, upgrade the “Visit Silk Road” portal, and adopt Global Sustainable Tourism Council standards across member states.

Air Quality Monitoring: Osh State University opened an automated air-quality monitoring station, supported by the city administration and JICA, to enable continuous tracking and better environmental decisions. Water Security: A Bishkek expert warns the capital could face a drinking-water shortage unless urban planning and water management change now, urging “sponge city” style rainwater retention and gray-water reuse. Glacier & Issyk-Kul Protection: Kyrgyzstan is setting up a fund to preserve glaciers and the Issyk-Kul ecosystem, alongside legal proposals to strengthen glacier protection from pollution. Sustainable Tourism & Greening: After the World Nomad Games, Kyrchyn Gorge will be replanted with perennial grass once temporary yurts and infrastructure are removed, with local ministries and communities joining the greening effort. Green Finance Cooperation: Turkic states signed a communique backing sustainable green development through the Turkic Green Finance Council, aiming to turn policy into bankable projects. Waste Management Planning: Kyrgyzstan is developing a state program for sustainable waste management.