Environment, tourism and the law: what project is being discussed in the Issyk-Kul mountains

An international symposium on the development of geoparks in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan was held in the village of Kaji-Sai in the Issyk-Kul region. The discussion focused on the environment, tourism and a new legislative framework for the sustainable development of these areas.

The international symposium on the creation and development of geoparks in the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan took place on 29–30 April in the village of Kaji-Sai.

The discussion focused on the prospects for the development of geoparks as a tool for the ‘green’ economy, eco-tourism and the preservation of the country’s natural heritage. Particular attention was paid to the draft law ‘On Geoparks’, which is intended to establish the legal status of such territories and create conditions for Kyrgyzstan’s integration into

the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network through a more flexible mechanism for their establishment and inter-ministerial coordination.

The initiative is linked to increased attention being paid to the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan and the search for new models of economic development that combine tourism, environmental protection and employment.

The idea of establishing geoparks in Kyrgyzstan has been under discussion for several years. The key stage now is the drafting of legislation that will define the status of such areas, management mechanisms, and opportunities for investment and infrastructure development in the regions.

The event was organised by representatives of the Mountain Agenda with the support of international partners, including GIZ, JICA and the OSCE.