Key Achievements (January–April 2026)
Environmental Education and Youth Engagement
A two-month educational programme, “School of Young Leaders – Defenders of Nature,” was launched in three schools across the pilot municipalities. The programme promotes environmental awareness, leadership, and practical skills related to biodiversity conservation, sustainable pasture management, wetlands, and climate resilience.
A multimedia centre was established at Ormon-Khan Secondary School, while additional equipment was provided for the new Kara-Too Multimedia Centre. These centres support youth-led environmental communication through digital storytelling, video reporting, and online awareness campaigns.
On 15 April 2026, 16 student volunteers received journalism training delivered by the National Association of Community Media. As a result, a youth media team was formed and environmental awareness campaigns were launched online, including an Instagram page and first digital publications.
Capacity Building and Stakeholder Coordination
Coordination meetings were held with the Department for Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Areas under the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic. Discussions focused on establishing a multi-stakeholder working group on Son-Kul wetlands and strengthening cooperation among government institutions, scientists, local authorities, and communities.
Consultations with experts from the National Academy of Sciences identified priority research areas, including flora and bird monitoring. Methodological materials are also being developed, including bird identification manuals and environmental legislation reference guides.
Local authorities in Kochkor district expressed strong support for the project. Plans were initiated for a community environmental festival in Tolok village and for joint measures to address pasture degradation through sustainable pasture rotation practices.
Community Resilience and Alternative Livelihoods
From 28–30 April 2026, training sessions were conducted for 49 participants (including women and youth) from the three pilot municipalities. The trainings focused on sustainable entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) approach.
Participants developed environmentally friendly business ideas linked to conservation of Son-Kul ecosystems, including ecotourism, beekeeping, poultry farming, horticulture, and green technologies. Discussions highlighted growing concerns about pasture degradation, climate change, and the need to balance livelihoods with environmental protection.
Three business initiatives will receive project support through small grants of up to 80,000 KGS with beneficiary co-financing. These activities are expected to diversify incomes, reduce dependence on livestock grazing, and decrease pressure on the wetlands of Son-Kul Lake.