Экосистемы в условиях изменения климата: в Бишкеке обсудили пути адаптации природы и людей

Ecosystems in a Changing Climate: Bishkek Explores Adaptation Pathways for Nature and People

The national-level meeting brought together senior officials from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision; the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); the German Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic; representatives of international and local NGOs; scientific institutions; and community leaders.

Deputy Minister Kubat Kaseinov highlighted that climate change in Kyrgyzstan is becoming ever more pronounced: rising temperatures, more extreme weather events, and accelerated glacier melt. These trends lead to soil degradation, desertification and the disruption of ecological corridors. An increasing livestock population further strains resources and undermines ecosystems’ natural recovery.

“САМCA is a model of coordinated action by government, science and communities. Only together can we develop effective adaptation measures and protect our precious mountain ecosystems,” he stressed.

Arnold Kreilhuber, Director of UNEP’s European regional office, agreed:

“Ecosystem health determines the survival of migratory species. Adaptation measures must be field-tested and scaled up. We face a triple crisis—climate change, land degradation and air pollution.”

German Ambassador Gabriela Gellil added:

“Through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany supports projects like САМCA. Understanding climate impacts on migratory wildlife is vital. The fate of snow leopards, ibex and argali is tied to the well-being of local communities and the resilience of pastures and forests.”

A joint study by САМР Alatoo specialists, government agencies and community members identified key threats to both wildlife and livelihoods: poaching, overgrazing, competition for forage, rising temperature, glacier melt and changing precipitation patterns, coordinator Salamat Dzhumabaeva explained. From 80 proposed adaptations, 24 were selected—improved pasture and protected-area management; animal disease prevention; environmental education; alternative livelihoods; and energy-efficient technologies.

A major achievement is Kyrgyzstan’s second ecological corridor, “Ak Ilbirs,” linking Khan-Tengri Nature Park with the Naryn and Sarychat-Ertash reserves. Spanning ~200 km in length and 25–75 km in width, it covers 4 districts and 14 aiyl okmotus in Issyk-Kul Region, totaling nearly 800,000 ha of protected land. A government decree formalized its establishment, Deputy Biodiversity Director Talant Turdumatov noted.

САМР Alatoo then developed grazing-management plans for communities along the corridor:

“Livestock and wildlife compete for forage on the same pastures. We encouraged herders to redistribute grazing and are finalizing a pasture-management guide that integrates climate factors and corridor regulations,” Dzhumabaeva said.

To safeguard migratory routes, temporary bans on new grazing permits during rut and migration periods were introduced—a measure backed by locals, Turdumatov added.

The meeting also reviewed other САМCA activities: environmental education, wildlife monitoring, modern biodiversity-conservation approaches and sustainable resource management. Special focus went to tools like PAVA, IBEX and Climate Crowd. UNEP regional consultant Azamat Isakov observed that testing these tools in protected areas and communities provided valuable insights into ecosystem management and climate-adaptation dynamics.

Participants learned how САМCA results can inform the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) policy mechanisms. The event was organized by UNEP with IKI support, in partnership with САМР Alatoo PF and Ilbirs Foundation.