ОФ «САМР Алатоо» отметил 20-летний юбилей

The official date of establishment for the СAMР Alatoo РF is December 30, 2004. The organization was registered following the completion of the Central Asian Mountain Program (CAMP), which aimed at sustainable development in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan and was supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. Drawing on the experience gained through the CAMP program, the foundation has maintained an effective project management system and continued to implement key initiatives for the sustainable use of natural resources and support for local communities.

Over the past 20 years, the СAMР Alatoo РF has implemented approximately 140 projects in the areas of land and water resource management, biodiversity conservation, energy efficiency, and environmental education. These achievements were showcased at a celebratory event dedicated to the anniversary, which was attended by representatives from parliament and government, embassies, international and partner organizations, NGOs, and local communities.

In her congratulatory speech, distinguished guests emphasized the significant contribution of the СAMР Alatoo РF to the conservation of natural resources and sustainable development in Kyrgyzstan. "Your organization is a prime example of effective work and engagement with local communities. I witnessed this during a joint trip with representatives of the foundation to the south of the country, where we learned about the conservation situation in the Alai district of the Osh region. The foundation's initiatives are yielding real results in agriculture, pasture protection, and mountain ecosystems," noted Dinara Ashimova, a member of the Kyrgyz Parliament and Deputy Chair of the Council for Sustainable Development under the Chairperson of the Jogorku Kenesh.

The organization’s work in creating and managing community-protected natural areas was acknowledged by the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic. According to the department head Azamat Kenzhebaev, " СAMР Alatoo РF actively involves local populations in the process of nature conservation. This not only changes residents' attitudes toward the environment but also motivates them to become stewards of their habitat. Such an approach contributes to biodiversity conservation and improves living conditions through the sustainable use of natural resources."

As noted by the director of the СAMР Alatoo РF, Murat Zhumashov, the organization’s success would not have been possible without the support of local communities and activists. "They help work on projects, actively participate in solving pressing issues related to pastures, forests, and water resources, and are always eager to learn how to manage these resources wisely and responsibly. Their attitude and actions define the sustainability and resilience of our natural resources."

In honor of the anniversary, the most active partners were awarded the Zhanyl Kozhomuratova Award, named after the former head of the organization from 2010 to 2013. The award was established to recognize professional achievements and in memory of Zhanyl Kozhomuratova. Awards were presented to the foundation's partners in the categories of "Environmental Education," "Water Resource Management," "Land Resource Management," "Wildlife Conservation," and "Energy Efficiency."

The award was also presented to Bernard Repond, President of the Swiss association "Pamir Bridges." Thanks to contributions and donations from association members and ordinary citizens of Switzerland, as well as technical support from the SAMR Alatoo Foundation, 100 bridges were built in remote mountainous areas to improve local residents' access to high-altitude pastures and promote tourism.

The official part of the event concluded with a symbolic ceremony of raising the yurt's tunduk (the roof). Guests formed a circle under the tunduk, holding colorful ribbons that symbolize the unity of people living in mountainous regions and their aspiration for further growth and success.

The event concluded with an exhibition showcasing the results of the foundation's activities and eco-products from local communities that collaborate with the СAMР Alatoo РF.