Пилотные сообщества Иссык-Кульской области познакомились с проектом по адаптации животных и горных систем к изменению климата

Issyk-Kul pilot communities get acquainted with the project on adaptation of animals and mountain systems to climate change

The CAMP Alatoo PF has started implementing a regional project on protection of key migratory animal species and sustainability of local communities under climate change conditions.  As part of the commitment, the CAMP Alatoo PF is conducting project activities in 10 Aiyl Aimaks of Jety-Oguz and Ton districts of Issyk-Kul oblast and Naryn district of Naryn oblast. The main objective of the component is to enhance capacity of the population on climate change and understanding of its threats, wildlife conservation and identification of alternative income sources to livestock farming in order to conserve local pastures.

The first information meetings were held by the project specialists from the CAMP Alatoo and Ilbirs Foundation in the city of Karakol and Tamga village (Jety-Oguz district, Issyk-Kul oblast).  More than 90 people participated in these events, including Altynbek Sulaimanov, Presidential Envoy to the region, heads of district administrations, Issyk-Kul and Naryn territorial departments of environmental protection and forestry, staff of the Khan-Teniri State Nature Park and Naryn State Nature Reserve (these protected areas are home to migratory animals), representatives of pasture committees and educational institutions.

The events presented the aims and objectives of the project, as well as the prospects for cooperation with local communities and their role in the initiative. Presentations on the impact of humans and the changing climate on mountain ecosystems, wildlife and the solutions needed for their conservation helped all participants to pass a knowledge assessment on the topic "Climate Change.”

During the discussion of the Memorandum of Cooperation, the participants expressed their interest in working together on the project and provided recommendations for the implementation of objectives to provide alternative livelihoods and wildlife and pasture conservation. Proposals included (1) development of tourism, including in the Khan-Teniri Park, taking into account environmental and economic opportunities; (2) pasture management, including improvement of infrastructure, control of illegal picking of medicinal herbs and timely vaccination of livestock; (3) conservation of migratory wildlife species by focusing on ensuring good epizootic situation and conducting research on the impact of climate change on the mountain fauna representatives.