Опыт Кыргызстана в управлении природными территориями для специалистов из стран Западных Балкан

Kyrgyz Experience in Nature Conservation Impressed Delegates from the Western Balkans

In early July 2025, a study tour to Kyrgyzstan brought together representatives from the Western Balkans, national conservation agencies, and international organizations. The tour was organized by the PF "СAMР Alatoo" and the Ilbirs Foundation with support from UNEP, as part of the CAMCA  project.

The delegates, including representatives from the national parks of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, as well as colleagues from the Kyrgyz Ministry of Natural Resources, the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Territory, and project partners from visited various protected areas (PAs) of both national and local significance.

This visit followed a reciprocal tour in May 2025, when representatives of PF "СAMР Alatoo"and Ilbirs Foundation traveled to Albania to learn about the challenges of managing transboundary PAs in the Balkans and the impact of climate change on ecosystems.

The tour began in the southern Issyk-Kul region with a visit to the community-managed Bayboosun Nature Territory. There, the delegation explored how local people successfully protect natural areas while also developing ecotourism and generating income. PF "СAMР Alatoo" Director Murat Zhumashev introduced the community model, which sparked active discussion among the guests.

Over the next two days, participants explored conservation and sustainable management practices. Kanat Suyundukov, Head of the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Territory, presented the area's multiple functions — from biodiversity protection to ecotourism regulation. An interactive pasture management game developed by PF "СAMР Alatoo" simulated real-life land use conflicts, encouraging participants to seek balanced solutions.

Turatbek Satymbaev (Department of Biodiversity Conservation, Kyrgyz Ministry of Natural Resources) and Salamat Dzhumabaeva (CAMCA Project Coordinator, PF "СAMР Alatoo") presented the creation of the "Ak-Ilbirs" ecological corridor, linking PAs in the Issyk-Kul and Naryn regions. Representatives from Ilbirs Foundation, Zairbek Kubanychbekov and Gleb Sedash, demonstrated the use of SMART monitoring and digital tools for tracking wildlife.

During their visit to Karakol National Park, the delegation discussed how tourism revenues can support conservation and how to ensure equitable benefit sharing. They also visited a scenic viewpoint at over 3,000 meters, experiencing Kyrgyzstan’s alpine beauty firsthand.

In Barskoon Gorge, guests met with community rangers from the NGO "Alatoo-Bugu," who protect the state reserve of Jargylchak using a grassroots conservation model. Participants also explored waterfalls and gained insights into protected area management on the ground.

The cultural program featured local cuisine, a boat tour on Issyk-Kul Lake, and a screening of the classic film "The White Steamer," shot in the region.

“This training tour gave us new tools, perspectives, and most importantly, friendships that could evolve into cooperation. I was especially interested in your wildlife monitoring system. In Serbia, this is usually done by hunting associations, so it was insightful to see your approach to data collection and analysis,” said Branko Bezarevic.

“I was deeply impressed by the mountains, the nature, the landscapes, and especially the rich culture and the people of Kyrgyzstan. We share a mutual respect for nature and a responsibility to protect it for the future. I see many opportunities for cooperation,” shared Ivana Milovic from Montenegro.

Delegates praised Kyrgyzstan’s unique model: a flexible integration of scientific, community-based, and governmental strategies with an openness to experimentation and innovation.