AGP Executive Report

Refinery Pollution: Residents near Kara-Balta’s Junda refinery report odors and health concerns. President Sadyr Japarov said relocation could be considered if living nearby is harming residents; the company says its upgrade includes a vapor-recovery system. Snow Leopards: Three were filmed in Naryn as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan agreed to strengthen joint monitoring, anti-poaching work and protection of migration corridors. COP31 and Mountains: Kyrgyzstan urged international support for an Issyk-Kul protection fund, pledging $10 million to launch it. A separate mountain-climate agenda proposed by Kyrgyzstan and regional partners did not make COP31’s formal agenda, though efforts to advance the issue continue. Climate Resilience: A €264.4 million regional programme will support climate-resilient landscapes in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, including restoration of degraded land and more resilient farming.

Wildlife: Three snow leopards were filmed in a Naryn nature reserve, highlighting the importance of protecting their habitat. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan also agreed to strengthen cooperation on mountain ecosystems, including joint monitoring and protection of snow leopard migration routes. COP31: Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev called for easier access to climate finance and urged support for Kyrgyzstan’s proposed Issyk-Kul protection fund, launched with a $10 million national contribution. A formal mountain-climate agenda proposal fell short, though Kyrgyzstan continues to push for mountain resilience and glacier protection. Water Security: Artificial glaciers paired with reservoirs and drip irrigation are planned for about 1,000 villages facing water shortages as natural glaciers shrink. Land and Air: A draft rule would require builders and land users to preserve fertile topsoil and prevent degradation. Meanwhile, the ministry plans to remove IQAir pollution sensors, saying their readings are unreliable—a move that has drawn concern as Bishkek continues to face serious air pollution.

COP31: Kyrgyzstan’s push with Nepal and Bhutan to put mountain climate risks on the summit’s formal agenda was rejected after major negotiating blocs withheld support. The countries had sought greater attention to melting glaciers, water systems and mountain communities. Climate Finance: On the sidelines, Kyrgyz officials discussed funding for mountain ecosystems and adaptation with international funds and the Asian Development Bank, including an application for the Ala-Too project and plans for irrigation investment. Sustainable Farming: Kyrgyzstan proposed an international “Organic Territories” program for mountain countries, linking organic agriculture with soil restoration, ecosystem protection and food security. Land Protection: A draft Cabinet resolution would require construction and mining projects to remove and preserve fertile topsoil for reuse, and strengthen safeguards against soil degradation. Bishkek Greenery: The city planted more than 23,000 tree seedlings in 10 months; officials are reviewing planting choices, with a deputy urging a shift away from water-demanding thuja toward trees better suited to the local climate.

COP31: Kyrgyzstan’s delegation is in Antalya seeking climate finance and technology for adaptation, water management, glacier protection and mountain ecosystem restoration. Wildlife Protection: The Natural Resources Ministry has proposed rules for handling confiscated rare medicinal plants, including transfers to scientific institutions and limits on commercial use; the draft is open for discussion. Bishkek’s Environment: The city says it planted more than 23,000 trees in the first 10 months of 2026 and is reviewing how to improve greening and irrigation. A parliamentary committee also heard that the ban on selling fuel below environmental class K5 is not being enforced. Protected Areas: A separate draft law would create a unified ecological network linking existing protected areas with potential conservation sites.**

Urban Greening: Bishkek planted 23,232 tree seedlings in the first 10 months of 2026. The mayor called for more climate-suited plants and better irrigation. Transport and Rivers: The city and BYD are studying a proposed monorail route along the Ala-Archa and Alamedin rivers; a joint survey and working group are planned. Protected Nature: A draft law would create a unified ecological network linking protected areas and identifying sites for possible future protection. Mountain Climate: Kyrgyzstan joined Nepal and Bhutan in calling for more accessible adaptation finance at COP31. Their push for a formal mountain-climate agenda item was not accepted, though the presidency promised consultations and future research dialogues. Environmental Oversight: A new Kumtor investment agreement has been approved, but its published text does not specify changes to environmental obligations. Bishkek also recorded 27.5°C on November 8, a daily temperature record, amid recent reports of heavy smog.

Protected Areas: Kyrgyzstan is proposing a unified ecological network linking existing nature reserves with potential new conservation sites. The draft law is open for public discussion and says inclusion in the network would not change land ownership or use. Mountain Resilience: At COP31, Kyrgyzstan joined Nepal and Bhutan in calling for more accessible adaptation finance to protect mountain regions from climate impacts. Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev is also attending the summit, where glaciers and resilience are on the agenda. Bishkek Air: Pollution worsened on November 8, with PM2.5 reaching 82 micrograms per cubic metre and the city’s air-quality index hitting 170, an unhealthy level. Unusual Heat: Bishkek set a November 8 temperature record at 27.5°C, far above its average November temperature of 4.2°C. Wildlife: Video from Issyk-Kul’s Jeti-Oguz district shows herds of ibex and Marco Polo sheep; officials report populations are growing alongside habitat protection efforts.

Wildlife: Herds of Marco Polo sheep and ibex were filmed in Issyk-Kul’s Jeti-Oguz district. Officials say populations are growing amid habitat protection and anti-poaching efforts. Bishkek Air: Pollution worsened on Nov. 8, with PM2.5 reaching 82 micrograms per cubic metre and the city briefly ranking among the world’s ten most polluted major cities. COP31: Kyrgyzstan will join Nepal, Tajikistan, Bhutan and Pakistan in a high-level event on glaciers, mountain resilience and climate finance at the summit, which opens in Antalya today. Land and Legacy Pollution: A new national program targets degraded pastures through reseeding and rotational grazing. Kyrgyzstan has also approved radioecological monitoring at rehabilitated former uranium sites, though inspection schedules and response rules remain to be detailed.

Bishkek Air: Pollution worsened on November 8, with PM2.5 at 82 µg/m³ and the city’s air quality index reaching 170, an unhealthy level. Bishkek also ranked ninth among the world’s most polluted major cities that evening. Cleaner Transport: 986 cyclists joined the season’s final ride. The mayor said the city’s 77 kilometres of bike paths are not enough for safe travel. Coal Checks: Inspectors have begun raids at Bishkek coal warehouses, checking coal quality and enforcing the ban on fine coal that can worsen air pollution. Uranium Legacy: New rules require radioecological monitoring at rehabilitated former uranium sites and radioactive-waste facilities; monitoring details are to be set out in regulations. Pasture Recovery: Kyrgyzstan’s plan targets degraded land through reseeding and rotational grazing. About 184,000 hectares of pasture near settlements are degraded. Mountain Climate: Kyrgyzstan is co-hosting a COP31 event with Nepal, Tajikistan, Bhutan and Pakistan on glaciers, the cryosphere and mountain resilience.

Urban Mobility: Bishkek closed its 2026 cycling season with 986 riders covering 5.4 kilometers in Victory Park. The mayor said the city’s 77 kilometers of bike paths are not enough for safe cycling and pledged more work on infrastructure. Mountain Climate Action: Kyrgyzstan will join Nepal, Tajikistan, Bhutan and Pakistan in a COP31 event on glacier loss, mountain resilience and climate finance, as the conference opens in Türkiye. Pollution Checks: Inspectors are raiding Bishkek coal warehouses to check fuel quality and radiation levels, and enforce the ban on fine coal linked to air pollution. Uranium Legacy: New rules require radioecological monitoring of rehabilitated former uranium sites and radioactive waste facilities to assess radiation and site conditions. Water Costs: Bishkek water tariffs rose 44.7% in 2026, the steepest increase reported in the regional survey, raising concerns about affordability.

Uranium Legacy: Kyrgyzstan has approved radioecological monitoring at rehabilitated uranium sites and radioactive-waste facilities. The rules aim to track radiation levels, though inspection frequency and response measures remain unclear. Pasture Recovery: A new plan targets degraded grazing land through reseeding, rotational grazing and better access to remote pastures; officials say 184,000 hectares near settlements are degraded. Mountain Climate: Kyrgyzstan will join Nepal, Tajikistan, Bhutan and Pakistan at COP31 in a high-level session on glaciers, mountain resilience and climate finance. Urban Air: Bishkek inspectors are checking coal warehouses for fuel quality and enforcing a ban on fine coal to curb pollution. In Kara-Balta, residents’ complaints about industrial emissions continue as a new mayor takes office; recent inspections found pollution above permitted levels. Greener Settlements: Kyrgyzstan has approved a 2027–2031 program to green cities and villages.

Uranium Legacy: Kyrgyzstan has approved radioecological monitoring of rehabilitated former uranium sites and radioactive waste facilities. The rules aim to check radiation levels, though key details such as inspection frequency remain unclear. Mountain Climate: Kyrgyzstan will co-host a COP31 event on glaciers, mountain resilience and climate finance, as Nepal pushes to make mountain risks a regular part of UN climate talks. Bishkek Air: Inspectors are raiding coal warehouses to check pollution standards and enforce a ban on fine coal in Bishkek and the Chui region. Kara-Balta Pollution: A new mayor takes office amid complaints about industrial smog and odors; authorities previously measured pollution at four times the permitted limit and targeted a steel plant. Water Costs: Bishkek water tariffs rose 44.7% in the past year, according to a global survey, raising concerns about affordability and the cost of water services. Greener Communities: Kyrgyzstan has approved a 2027–2031 plan to green cities and villages.

Air Quality: Inspectors have begun raids on Bishkek coal warehouses, checking coal quality and radiation levels and enforcing a ban on fine coal, which can worsen air pollution. Mountain Climate: Kyrgyzstan will join Nepal, Tajikistan, Bhutan and Pakistan in hosting a COP31 event on glaciers, mountain resilience and climate finance, as Nepal pushes for mountain risks to become a regular part of UN climate talks. Water: Bishkek water tariffs rose 44.7% in the latest annual survey, while Kyrgyzstan has upgraded water supply and treatment systems in 70 settlements. Green Transition: Kyrgyzstan has launched a $35 million project to cut emissions and approved a program to green cities and villages from 2027 to 2031. Tourism and Nature: Plans to reduce water-body buffer zones for tourist facilities threefold could weaken safeguards around lakes and rivers.

Bishkek Air Quality: Inspectors are raiding coal warehouses to enforce quality standards and a ban on fine coal, which can worsen air pollution. Checks cover coal size and radiation levels. Water Costs: Bishkek’s water prices rose 44.7% in the latest annual survey, far above the global average increase of 5.6%. Water and Sanitation: New drinking-water and wastewater facilities are being launched in 70 settlements across seven regions, with about 200,000 people expected to benefit. Officials say modern treatment is especially important for protecting Issyk-Kul Lake. Mountain Climate Action: Kyrgyzstan’s proposal for an annual mountain dialogue is on the provisional agenda for COP31. The country will also co-host a summit event with Nepal, Tajikistan, Bhutan and Pakistan on glacier resilience and mountain issues.

Clean Water: Kyrgyzstan has launched water-supply and wastewater facilities in 70 settlements across seven regions, expected to serve about 200,000 people. Officials say modern treatment is vital to protecting Issyk-Kul’s ecological health. Waste and Energy: A Chinese state-owned company has proposed a $95 million waste-to-energy plant in southern Kyrgyzstan, initially designed to process 800 tonnes of waste daily. The project still needs feasibility and environmental studies. Mountain Climate Agenda: Ahead of COP31, Kyrgyzstan is seeking an annual UN mountain dialogue and support for a Global Mountain Resilience Center in Bishkek, elevating glacier and freshwater risks. Environmental Policy: The government approved a 2027–31 program to green cities and villages. Separately, plans to reduce water-body buffer zones for tourism facilities threefold could affect shoreline protection.

Water and Sanitation: Kyrgyzstan has launched drinking-water and wastewater projects in 70 settlements across seven regions. Since 2021, clean-water projects have reached 264 settlements and more than 663,000 people. Climate Action: A six-year, $35 million World Bank-backed project will fund emissions cuts as targets are verified, supporting Kyrgyzstan’s shift to cleaner energy. Urban Greening: The government approved a 2027–2031 program to green cities and settlements, with progress monitored every six months. River Protection: From 2027, a pilot will allow some tourist facilities to sit 25 metres from rivers, down from 75 metres. The change applies to lightweight structures with their own sewage and wastewater treatment. Waste and Energy: A Chinese company has proposed a $95 million waste-to-energy plant in southern Kyrgyzstan, but feasibility and environmental studies are still needed. Separately, three small hydropower plants are planned on the Chon-Kemin River, with water conservation and environmental standards cited as priorities. Mountain Climate: Kyrgyzstan is seeking an annual mountain dialogue at COP31, amid growing concern over glacier retreat and water security.

Mountain Climate Agenda: Kyrgyzstan’s proposal for an annual mountain dialogue is listed for consideration at COP31, while the country will also seek support for a Global Mountain Resilience Center in Bishkek. Emissions and Waste: A six-year, $35 million World Bank-backed project will fund emissions cuts as targets are verified. Separately, a Chinese firm is exploring a $95 million waste-to-energy plant in southern Kyrgyzstan; feasibility and environmental studies are still required. Greener Settlements: The government approved a 2027–2031 greening program for cities and villages, including continued tree-planting efforts and regular progress reports. River Protection: Plans call for three small hydropower plants on the Chon-Kemin River, with officials saying water resources and environmental standards will be protected. A separate 2027 pilot would let some tourist facilities sit closer to rivers, reducing buffer distances from 75 to 25 metres; projects must provide wastewater treatment. Biodiversity: Besh-Tash Nature Park is home to rare Red Book species, including snow leopards, bears and mountain plants.