Discover Kyrgyzstan : Environment

Natural resources: water, gold, uranium and other metals

The glaciers, rivers and lakes at high altitudes constitute important water reserves, mainly used for agricultural purposes. Lake Song Kulin the Tian Shan Mountains is the largest natural freshwater reserve in the country. The USSR's choice of irrigated agriculture has also led to the construction of dams, such as the Toktogul dam in the Ketmene-Tube valley. Systems of cooperation were then set up between upstream countries, which held the water, and downstream countries, which used it. Specifically, Kyrgyzstan ceded part of the water from the Toktogul reservoir to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for irrigation of their lands. In exchange, Kyrgyzstan received gas from these two countries for its heating needs. Since the end of the Soviet period, this system has been undermined and water conflicts have arisen in transboundary areas. Global warming is another concern regarding water resources. Rising temperatures, in addition to accelerated melting of glaciers, could lead to a decrease in the country's overall water reserves. It should be noted that there are directly accessible water sources, particularly in the Altyn Arashan valley. Shamanic customs, such as strips of cloth wrapped around trees, protect - at least symbolically - the area. Kyrgyzstan also possesses metal resources, including gold, mercury and uranium. The Kumtor open-pit gold mine, located at an altitude of 4,000 metres and operated by a Canadian company, alone is estimated to account for 12 per cent of the country's GDP. As for uranium, mines were operated during the Soviet era. The region was nicknamed the "Atomic Fortress of the Tian Shan. These mines, most of which are now disused, still contain toxic waste in sometimes deficient facilities. This situation presents a significant risk of water and soil contamination beyond the country's borders, as the sites are located upstream of the hydrographic networks that drain Central Asia.

Natural and anthropic risks

The country's geology and geography give it a wealth of resources, but also a vulnerability, which has mostly not been taken into account when building infrastructure. The main natural risks to which the country is subject are seismic risk, avalanches, floods and landslides. Global warming could increase the frequency and severity of certain extreme phenomena. Natural risks, when correlated with anthropogenic risks, have much more serious consequences for environments and populations. For example, overgrazing promotes erosion and weakens the soil, making it more vulnerable to avalanches and floods. The Kumtor gold mine did not take certain natural hazards into account when it began operations. In 2003, for example, facilities were destroyed when a glacier melted. Previously, in 1998, a truck accidentally dumped 2 tons of sodium cyanide into the Barskoon River, which flows into Lake Issyk-Kul, causing deaths and poisoning. The risk of contamination with mercury, heavy metals and nuclear waste is present at various sites in the territory. Household waste management is another environmental and health issue, both in towns and villages. Lastly, Kyrgyzstan's air is sometimes very polluted in the cities, especially the capital, which suffers from a high level of smog. Faced with these challenges, actions and regulations are being put in place. However, there are still protected natural areas where visitors can enjoy a quality landscape and environment.

Protected natural areas: national parks, state parks and biosphere reserves

In order to preserve the exceptional fauna and flora of the region, various protected areas have been set up. Thecountry has 13 national parks (Ala-Archa, Kyrgyz-Ata, Besh-Tash, Kara-Shoro, Karakol, Chong-Kemin, Salkyn-Tor, Saimaluu-Tash, Sarkent, Alatai, Kara-Buura, Kan-Achuu and Khan-Teniri). Their aim is to ensure the protection of habitats and species, while at the same time allowing for tourist use. The Ala Archa National Park (named after a species of juniper in the region) is one of the most emblematic of the country. Located about 30 km from Bishkek, it offers remarkable landscapes, ideal destination for hiking in the mountains or in the gorges of the Ala-Archa river. It is also home to populations of snow leopards. The country also has state nature parks, dedicated to specific environments or themes (forests, geological reserves, botanical reserves, etc.). Finally, the country has two biosphere reserves, classified under UNESCO (the Issyk-Kul Nature Reserve created for the protection of migratory birds wintering on its shores, and the Sara-Tchelek Nature Reserve). Together these protected areas covered 7.4 per cent of Kyrgyz territory in 2017.

Waste management and environmental policies

Measures have been taken by the local government for the management of household waste. A law of 2015 thus stipulates a ban on the burial or incineration of waste outside the facilities provided for that purpose. However, this law appears to be little enforced. Moreover, selective waste collection has not yet been introduced. However, local companies have taken the initiative to develop a form of circular economy, proposing the recycling of paper and plastic bottles. Environmental NGOs and citizen initiatives are increasingly emerging. Efforts still need to be pursued in general to meet the Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development, particularly in terms of access to drinking water, an issue to which the country's President has made a commitment. Action programmes are under way, with the help of international donors.