Enhancing the conservation of wetlands in South-West Issyk-Kul Lake through community based women empowerment and ecotourism
The project aimed to enhance the connectivity of local communities in the Western Issyk-Kul Lake IBA to biodiversity hotspots through the co-development of green economy activities including ecotourism, handicraft and permaculture. The project also included the installation of nature-based solutions to enhance breeding success on the peninsula of Ak-Bulun.
The municipality of Ulakhol is a tourism destination (8 guest houses opened, tour products available).
15 women of the Ulakhol municipality are involved and have increased incomes from handicraft workshops and activities.
The peninsula of Ak-Bulun is a key birding hotspot in Kyrgyzstan (most visited site during Spring 2024 & 2025).
Issyk-Kul Lake
waterbirds & passerines
The aim of the project is to strengthen conservation measures for wetlands within the municipality of Bishkek and in the ‘Northern Chu River Valley Reservoir’ IBA — a valuable peri-urban ecosystem that is under increasing pressure from urban development and human activity. Despite the importance of this site for the breeding and roosting of waterbirds, it is not effectively managed and does not receive the recognition it deserves. The project will trial community-based and nature-oriented solutions, including biodiversity mapping, the establishment of seasonal quiet zones, bioacoustic monitoring and awareness-raising activities. The main focus is on developing an action plan to implement other effective area-based measures for biodiversity conservation (OECMs) in line with the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), which will contribute to the long-term recognition and management of this site. Expected outcomes include improved environmental awareness, a reduction in human impact across an area of approximately 100 hectares occupied by priority habitats, and the strengthening of multi-stakeholder governance involving all relevant parties. By engaging local communities, volunteers and public authorities, the project will foster a sense of ownership of the area and position biodiversity as a valuable component of the local landscape, thereby contributing to sustainable urban development.
Extensive study on illegal trade of three species of birds of prey in Central Asia
Baseline powerline surveys in the IBA "water reservation of the northern Chu valley", to gather evidence on powerline induced mortality for enhance political advocacy and action.
