С птицами на одной волне: как прошел Bird Fest 2026

On the Same Wavelength as Birds: How Bird Fest 2026 Was Held

As a reminder, the PF "CAMP Alatoo" organized the festival for eco-activists and nature lovers in the village of Yntymak, Issyk-Kul Region. The main venue was the "Kushtar" micro-reserve, which hosted nearly 50 participants and guests from August 28 to 30. This was the third annual festival aimed at promoting birdwatching, advancing environmental education, and engaging local communities in protecting their native nature.

The Bird Fest community continues to grow every year. This time, the festival was joined by school ornithology clubs, scientists from the Institute of Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, professional ornithologists, as well as representatives of the local communities "Ular" and "Ala-Too Bugu."

The organizers offered participants and guests an infotainment-style program — education through entertainment. The events were carefully designed so that everyone could gain new knowledge and insights in an accessible and engaging format, free from boring lectures and academic presentations.

Together with ornithologists, guests observed birds in the wild, identified different species, and learned about the bird-banding (ringing) process. Led by professionals, masterclasses were held on wildlife photography and traditional felt crafting. In addition, discussions took place on preserving the biodiversity of Issyk-Kul, alongside eco-themed games and film screenings.

"The key idea that united everyone at Bird Fest 2026 was simple yet essential: nature shouldn't just be observed — it must be cherished and preserved," noted specialists from PF "CAMP Alatoo."

Following Bird Fest 2026, the organizers intend to develop the festival into a permanent platform for environmental education and sustainable tourism in Issyk-Kul. Plans include strengthening partnerships with ornithologists, scientists, and local authorities, involving youth in conservation efforts, and drawing on this experience to launch new large-scale projects aimed at preserving the region’s biodiversity.

The organizers extend their special gratitude to the residents of Yntymak village and the local "Kushtar" community for their help in preparing and hosting the festival.