Bishkek, 26 March 2025
Over the decades, climate change has increasingly impacted the Kyrgyz Republic, with temperatures rising at twice the global average. This alarming trend, highlighted in a new Atlas of Environmental Change by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), has intensified water scarcity and heightened the risk of natural disasters in the region.
Since 1960, the Kyrgyz Republic has experienced a 1.2°C rise in average annual temperatures, compared to a global increase of just 0.6°C. This warming trend is expected to accelerate in the future, leading to reduced river flows amid growing water demand.
The Atlas emphasizes the necessity for robust climate adaptation strategies to mitigate irrigation losses, enhance early warning systems, and improve pasture management, as 70% of the country’s pastures are reportedly degraded.
“The Kyrgyz Republic is at the frontline of climate change impacts,” stated UNEP’s Europe Office Director, Arnold Kreilhuber. “The wealth of data in this Atlas can form a solid evidence base to support the country in adapting to environmental change and manage the environment sustainably for current and future generations.”
Water Scarcity and Natural Disaster Risks Intensify
Water resources, crucial but vulnerable, are rapidly changing due to human activities and climate change. The Kyrgyz Republic relies heavily on hydropower for electricity, with 93% of its power generated from this source. However, climate change threatens this sector by potentially reducing rainfall, altering snow patterns, and causing glacial retreat.
For instance, water inflow to the Toktogul reservoir, a major hydropower source, may decrease by up to 18.8% by 2050, reducing electricity production. Additionally, the frequency and severity of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and avalanches are on the rise, with 200 emergencies reported annually, 90% of which are natural in origin. The year 2022 saw 150 fatalities from these disasters, with economic losses averaging $27 million per year from 2012-2018.
The Kyrgyz Republic’s location at the headwaters of major rivers necessitates regional cooperation and integrated water management.
Advancements in Forest and Wildlife Conservation
Despite these challenges, the Kyrgyz Republic has made notable progress in environmental conservation. Since 2000, forest cover has increased from 6.2% to 6.9%, a considerable feat given the country’s mountainous terrain. Protected areas have expanded from 0.5 million hectares in 2000 to 1.5 million hectares by 2023. By 2040, plans aim to protect 10% of the land and 60–65% of species on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
All forests are legally shielded from large-scale commercial logging, and the creation of the Khan Teniri Nature Park has significantly expanded protected habitats for snow leopards in the Central Tien Shan mountains by 40%.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Planning
The Atlas, supported by six decades of data from various global, regional, and national sources, is accessible publicly and organized on a GeoPortal. This resource provides comprehensive information on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, tracking progress towards the three Rio Conventions and SDG6 and SDG15.
The project involved multiple Kyrgyz ministries and government agencies through consultations, data sharing, and the training of Geographic Information System (GIS) experts. UNEP provided IT equipment and GIS software for officials and trained national experts.
Led by UNEP in collaboration with Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and financially backed by the Russian Government, the project also includes Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with their Atlases to be released soon.
Download the Atlas of Environmental Change for the Kyrgyz Republic here.
Original Story at www.unep.org