BISHKEK - Kyrgyzstan is strengthening its measures to protect water resources and adapt to climate change, allocating $259 million to water sector development over the past five years. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Erlist Akunbekov at the IV International High-Level Conference on the International Decade for Action, "Water for Sustainable Development" (2018–2028), held in Tajikistan, according to the press service of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers.
According to him, over the past year alone, approximately $80 million has been allocated to modernize water infrastructure, preserve glaciers, and improve water resource management. The country has also adopted a National Water Strategy until 2040 and a new Water Code.
Akunbekov emphasized that climate change and the rapid decline of glaciers are becoming a common threat to all of Central Asia and could lead to serious socioeconomic and environmental consequences.
"No glaciers, no water in the rivers; no water, no life in the region," he stated.
He noted that Kyrgyzstan generates water resources entirely within its own territory, but utilizes only about 30% of its own water potential. The remaining water flows to neighboring countries, which, according to the Kyrgyz side, requires the creation of fair and mutually beneficial compensation mechanisms in the water and energy sectors.
Special attention was paid to the environmental situation around Lake Issyk-Kul. According to the Kyrgyz side, over the past decade, the number of rivers flowing into the lake has decreased from 100 to 30, while a decrease in water levels has been recorded. In this regard, Kyrgyzstan called on international partners to implement joint programs to preserve the lake's ecosystem.
Akunbekov invited conference participants to participate in the second Global Mountain Summit "Bishkek+25," which will be held in Bishkek in 2027.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 27, 2026