В Джети-Огузском районе запустили экологическое пространство для сохранения природы и развития туризма

New Ecological Space Launched in Jeti-Oguz District to Promote Nature Conservation and Touris

A new visitor center has opened in the foothills of Chon-Zhargylchak village, located in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region. The official opening ceremony of this ecological "space" took place on May 22, coinciding with the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Situated within the Zhargylchak State Nature Reserve, the visitor center was established through the dedicated efforts of activists from the local "Ala-Too Bugu" Public Association, in partnership with the CAMP Alatoo PF. This initiative was implemented under the project "Involving Local Communities in the Sustainable Management and Planning of Specially Protected Natural Areas," with the financial support of the Sigrid Rausing Trust.

The opening ceremony brought together around 50 guests, including leadership from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas (DBCPA) under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, regional government officials, the Directorate of the "Issyk-Kul" Biosphere Territory, specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, representatives of international and non-governmental organizations, local community groups (zhaamats) from the Naryn region, as well as local educators and schoolchildren.

Talantbek Turdumatov, Director of the DBCPA under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted: “The visitor center is the successful result of cooperation between state agencies, NGOs such as the CAMP Alatoo PF, and local communities. On our part, we provided essential support in developing and amending conservation legislation, as well as allocating territories to the local population for the protection of flora and fauna. Currently, there are 10 community groups across the country, which, much like the “Ala-Too Bugu” and the “Baiboosun Nature Reserve” Public Associations, are successfully working to protect and conserve nature.”

According to Murat Zhumashev, Director of the CAMP Alatoo PF, partnership with local communities is maintained through memorandums signed with the DBCPA under the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic, local self-governments, and the Directorate of the "Issyk-Kul" Biosphere Territory. “CAMP Alatoo PF has been working alongside the activists of the Ala-Too Bugu Public Association since 2021. Together, we have successfully implemented a model that directly involves residents in nature protection processes,” he added.

The official event also served as a special occasion to recognize the personal contributions of individuals standing guard over the environment. Specialists from the CAMP Alatoo PF were honored with certificates of appreciation from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas for their outstanding efforts in promoting environmental initiatives. Furthermore, the Director of CAMP Alatoo PF presented the Zhanyl Kozhomuratova Award to Zholdoshbek Kyrbashev, a representative of the Naryn State Nature Reserve, recognizing him as the organization's most active partner.

The primary mission of the visitor center focuses on conserving the mountain ecosystem, wildlife, and plant life, alongside promoting eco-tourism, conducting scientific research, and organizing various public campaigns to elevate ecological awareness among both local residents and visiting tourists. Additionally, it will serve as an educational hub for teachers and students from local schools, offering outdoor field lectures, interactive educational materials detailing the diverse flora, fauna, and landscapes of the Zhargylchak Reserve, as well as providing binoculars, spotting scopes, and other equipment.

The ceremony attendees were able to witness the incredible ecological wealth and rare species of this region through a documentary film showcasing the work of the Ala-Too Bugu Public Association. The film highlighted not only the daily efforts of local eco-activists but also captured rare and unique footage of wildlife, particularly the Central Asian red deer (maral), which inhabited these areas in the past. Having since left these habitats, the ultimate goal of the local community rangers is to restore the maral population back to Zhargylchak. Symbolically, the visitor center is located near a former forest ranger station, which served as the filming location for the cinematic adaptation of Chingiz Aitmatov’s famous novella "The White Ship." Just like the characters in the story, the local defenders of the reserve look forward to welcoming back Bugu-Ene—the Sacred Mother Deer.

Schoolchildren from the villages of Ak-Terek and Chon-Zhargylchak also shared their perspectives on the critical importance of conservation. CAMP Alatoo PF cooperates closely with these schools on environmental education through the СAMСA project (Mammal Adaptation to Climate Change in Central Asia). The children performed theatrical sketches focused on snow leopard protection, sang songs dedicated to nature, and performed traditional dances.

As the wise Kyrgyz proverb says, “Thousands will drink from a well dug by a single person.” In the very same way, this visitor center, built by the efforts of a small, dedicated team of activists, will bring immense benefit to many: local communities, students, scientists, and travelers. Zhargylchak now features a truly special landmark, serving as the launching pad for long-term nature conservation and sustainable eco-tourism development across the region