«We are currently facing a triple environmental crisis: climate change, loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems. These problems are particularly acute in Kyrgyzstan,» Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, said at an event dedicated to the creation of a Trust Fund for the conservation of nature in the Kyrgyz Republic, on the sidelines of COP29.
According to him, this fund is not just a financial instrument; it will become a symbol of commitment to preserving natural wealth for future generations.
The Minister noted that Kyrgyzstan is a country of mountains and unique ecosystems, on which the lives and well-being of more than 7 million citizens depend. The Tien Shan and Ala-Too mountain ranges are a source of fresh water for the entire Central Asian region, and glaciers and mountain ecosystems play a key role in maintaining ecological balance at the regional and even global levels.
«Kyrgyzstan is aware of its responsibility to the global community and future generations. We do not just set ambitious goals within the national and international environmental agenda, but also work daily to implement them. In this context, the Trust Fund seems to us to be a strategic tool for mobilizing much-needed resources,» the minister said.
He noted that Kyrgyzstan actively participates in international agreements and initiatives aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development. The country is a party to 13 international conventions and 4 protocols.
«We are currently working on updating the national biodiversity strategy and action plan in line with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This updated document will become our roadmap to halting biodiversity loss by 2030. We pay special attention to expanding the network of specially protected natural areas (SPNA) aimed at protecting unique ecosystems and achieving the global goal of «30×30», which envisages preserving 30 percent of ecosystems by 2030,» Meder Mashiev added.
To date, the area of SPNA is 7.4 percent of the territory of Kyrgyzstan, including the Sary-Chelek Nature Reserve and the Issyk-Kul Biosphere Reserve, which are part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The head of the Ministry of Natural Resources also noted that the Kyrgyz Republic is actively drawing attention to the problems of sustainable development of mountainous regions. In 2027, the second global mountain summit Bishkek+25 is planned to be held in Bishkek. The national campaign Zhashyl Muras (Green Heritage) has been implemented in the republic since 2022, within the framework of which about 22 million plants have been planted throughout the country. In addition, Kyrgyzstan is actively protecting the snow leopard.
«However, we understand that our efforts require additional resources and a coordinated approach. The establishment of the Trust Fund will be an important step in mobilizing finances and uniting initiatives aimed at sustainable management of natural resources and combating climate change. We are confident that under the auspices of the UN, the fund will be managed transparently and accountably, which will strengthen the trust of all stakeholders,» Meder Mashiev emphasized.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is taking place in Baku from November 11 to November 22.
