В айылных аймаках южного региона обновлены планы управления пастбищами

Pasture Management Plans Updated in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Rural communities from seven ayil aimaks in Osh and Batken regions have completed training sessions on updating pasture management plans. The trainings were conducted by specialists of the СAMР Alatoo РF within the framework of the project “Integrated community-based management of high value mountain ecosystems in southern Kyrgyzstan for multiple benefits”. The project is implemented with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Osh, Batken, and Naryn regions.

More than one hundred representatives of municipal enterprises and pasture resource users participated in the trainings.

In the context of accelerating climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources, building the capacity of municipal enterprise staff and pasture users in sustainable land use principles is becoming critically important. Therefore, the main focus of the trainings was on preventing pasture degradation through the introduction of rational and balanced grazing mechanisms, taking into account the specific conditions of each ayil aimak.

During discussions, brainstorming sessions, and group work, participants collected and updated data on the number of pasture users, livestock numbers, assessed the condition of pasture resources, and analyzed grazing pressure. Key drivers of pasture degradation and insufficient infrastructure development were also identified.

The project team introduced a rotational grazing approach to the communities. Under this approach, herders were assigned to specific pasture plots, enabling grazing to be organized according to a schedule: livestock graze on one plot for a defined period and are then moved to another, allowing the previous area to recover its grass cover.

As a result of the trainings, specialists of the СAMР Alatoo РF and local residents jointly developed a database of pasture resource users. This database is essential for municipal enterprises that, following the administrative-territorial reform, have assumed the functions of the former pasture committees. Practical methods for reducing pressure on degraded pastures and introducing recovery regimes were also discussed and approved for application.

Fieldwork results showed that pasture degradation is driven not only by livestock numbers but also by limited access to pasture areas due to infrastructure constraints. With the support of the project team, participants prepared grant applications for the reconstruction and construction of pasture infrastructure, including bridges, roads, and watering points. These measures will enable more sustainable redistribution of grazing and reduce pressure on individual pasture areas.

According to project specialists, a comprehensive approach that combines planning, monitoring, and infrastructure development enhances the resilience of rural communities to climate change and reduces environmental risks.

The next phase of the project will focus on monitoring compliance with rotational grazing schedules, continued support to municipal enterprises, and the implementation of proposed infrastructure solutions.