Высокая оценка и новые вызовы: итоги заседания ККС по управлению горными экосистемами на юге страны

High Evaluation and New Challenges: Outcomes of the CAC Meeting on Mountain Ecosystem Management in South Kyrgyzstan

The meeting of the Coordination and Advisory Council (САС) focused on the results of the GEF-UNDP project "Integrated community-based management of high value mountain ecosystems in southern Kyrgyzstan for multiple benefits". This is the second meeting since the beginning of the year, during which the initiative's achievements for the first half of 2026 were presented, along with progress reports on implementing the recommendations made at the previous meeting.

The САС was co-chaired by representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic and UNDP. The meeting brought together the parties responsible for project implementation: heads (akims) of districts within the project target territories in Osh, Batken, and Naryn regions, as well as representatives of international and non-governmental organizations, and the scientific community. CAMP Alatoo PF acts as a project partner.

Almaz Musaev, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic and Co-Chair of the САС, noted the high significance of the initiative for the three major regions of the country. "We must strive for high-quality work and prioritize engagement with local communities and local self-governments. Our task is to implement the project at the proper level by the end of the year," Almaz Musaev emphasized.

The project's current progress, documentation, reporting, and implementation of planned activities received a high evaluation during the independent mid-term review conducted in May this year. The findings and recommendations of international and national consultants were presented at the meeting by Umut Zholdosheva, UNDP Project Coordinator. "The project received a high rating — 5 out of 6 possible points — for overall implementation and adaptive management. This confirms that our team responds effectively to challenges. At the same time, the consultants highlighted the need to strengthen efforts toward institutional, financial, and overall sustainability of the results," Umut Zholdosheva reported.

As part of the project, the development of the system of Specially Protected Areas continues. Along with preparations for the establishment of 4 new protected areas covering a total area of over 281,000 hectares, experts have already assessed management effectiveness in 5 existing natural parks and reserves.

CAMP Alatoo PF carries out project activities across three components: restoration of degraded pastures, afforestation, and improving the livelihoods of local communities through the development of ecotourism and alternative income sources. Aliya Ibraimova, Project Coordinator from CAMP Alatoo PF, presented the results achieved in all areas.

Specifically, the upgrade of the "Jaiyt" online pasture management information system is in its final stage, to be followed by testing and data entry for 5–6 pilot aiyl aimaks (Aas). To address land degradation issues, 5-year Integrated Pasture and Resource Management Plans were developed for 16 pilot AAs. These documents have already been submitted to local keneshes for approval. Parallel to this, forest restoration tasks are being addressed: two forest nurseries have been established in pilot districts, and the installation of protective fencing on these sites will be fully completed by the end of June.

Aliya Ibraimova also drew the attention of САС members to the fact that in June, the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kyrgyz Republic approved the Methodology for Calculating Tourism and Recreational Carrying Capacity for Ecosystems, which marks a significant step toward reducing anthropogenic pressure on wildlife.

Furthermore, the representative of CAMP Alatoo PF spoke about the progress of the Small Grants Program for communities in Osh, Batken, and Naryn regions, launched in January 2026. Out of 44 applications received, a selection committee consisting of САС members chose the 12 best projects focused on providing tourism services, dairy processing, and handicraft development. To reduce the bureaucratic burden on rural entrepreneurs, CAMP Alatoo PF took over all procurement and delivery procedures for the equipment requested under the grants. In the near future, the Foundation's specialists plan to conduct monitoring visits to the grantees to assess how the equipment is helping local residents develop ecotourism and identify which professional skills they still need to improve.

Following the meeting, the САС instructed to accelerate the archaeological assessment required for the creation of new protected areas and to ensure the fulfillment of the annual plan by the next committee meeting scheduled for the end of 2026.