Martin Naegele has been living in
Acclimatization and integration into local life did not take long. I think it’s because I really wanted to become a part of the local life and culture as soon as possible.
Martin Naegele
— What surprises you in Kyrgyzstan?
— People are very kind, sympathetic and hospitable. Kyrgyzstanis honor family ties, traditions of respecting the elders, creation of a strong family, but at the same time show interest in other cultures, learn languages and have an active civic position, they are not indifferent to the political processes that take place in the country.
It is also a fascinating nature. There is nothing more beautiful and rich than the nature of
I also like that Bishkek is a green city. Lately, it has been said that the city loses its green areas, but despite this, Bishkek remains a garden city.
Martin Naegele
— Is there any similarity between Bishkek and your hometown?
— My hometown is Feldkirch in the west of
Bishkek has become much better in recent years. As I have already noted, more options for leisure have appeared there. Now I can not imagine myself living in another city. I know Bishkek very well, people, language; I have friends, colleagues, contacts here.
I live in the private area, and I have a small garden with apricots, grapes, apples, and I look after them with pleasure. Everything is good here, and Bishkek is my second home.
Martin Naegele
— What do you miss in Bishkek?
— I would say that Bishkek is built for cars, it has little human dimension. I like to ride a bicycle, but unfortunately, the conditions in the city are not quite suitable for this type of transport. Riding a bicycle around city streets is not safe, and the attitude of automobilists to cyclists leaves much to be desired, but the latter are also full-fledged road users.
In general, there should be more infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. In addition, landscaping of the city is also important.
Martin Naegele
It is also extremely important to increase the interest of citizens to more actively participate in creating the image of the city and the process of forming a new friendly urban environment.
— What is your favorite place in Bishkek?
— I like
I prefer extreme tourism and unusual hiking routes to different places in the country. I try to get out of the city on weekends and holidays. I like to visit Naryn region and the southern coast of
— What do you like in the national cuisine?
— As the locals say, if you did not eat meat, then you got up hungry from the table. I really like yak meat. It can be tasted in just a few countries around the world. By the way, beshbarmak with such meat is very tasty.
Of course, I really like the traditional and famous beshbarmak. It is a masterpiece of the national cuisine, polished for centuries.
Martin Naegele
I also share the love for a variety of dairy products, such as maksym, kaimak, kymys, ayran, kurt.
— What has fascinated and disappointed you in close acquaintance with the local population?
— I traveled a lot around the country and everywhere I met good-natured and hospitable people, especially in remote and secluded places of
— What would you change in Bishkek?
— According to experts, more than 50 percent of people live in cities. And this trend will only continue. So, by 2045, the cities will be replenished by another 2 billion inhabitants, increasing the total population of the planet living in cities to 6 billion. Cities are responsible for 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. 600 largest cities in the world by 2025 will produce more than 60 percent of global GDP — they are so important today.
Urbanization poses new challenges. Will there be enough water and electricity in the cities? How to deal with environmental pollution? What is the future of transport systems? That is why specialists from various fields are paying special attention to the cities today. Our organization is among them.
IFC works with governments and the private sector to create inclusive, safe and sustainable cities. For example, in
