Published
08/25/2026, 11:39In Kyrgyzstan, the government department responsible for forestry is changing. The Forestry Service is being transferred from the Ministry of Emergency Situations to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision. The relevant decree was signed by the Prime Minister, Adylbek Kasymaliev, on 21 August.
The Forestry Service will be transferred to the Ministry of Natural Resources, together with its staff, funding and logistical resources. At the same time, all powers relating to the management of forestry will be removed from the Ministry of Emergency Situations’ remit.
The Ministry of Natural Resources will now be responsible for the conservation, restoration and utilisation of forests, as well as protection against fires, illegal logging, pests and diseases. Its remit will also include the inventory of forest resources, monitoring the condition of forests and maintaining the forest cadastre.
In addition, the Ministry will be granted the authority to issue permits for forest use, including felling permits and forest access permits. It will also regulate the operation of checkpoints at the entrances to forest management areas and monitor the use of forest resources during the implementation of economic projects.
Separately, the Ministry of Natural Resources has been tasked with attracting investment into forestry, fulfilling Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations regarding the conservation of forest ecosystems, and collaborating with donors and international organisations.
In connection with the transfer of responsibilities, the Cabinet of Ministers has revised the staffing levels of both ministries. For the Ministry of Emergency Situations, this has been set at 5,122 staff members and 514 technical and support staff. The Ministry of Natural Resources is allocated 2,136 staff posts and a further 532 posts for technical and support staff.
The reorganisation is to be carried out within the limits of the funds already allocated in the national budget.
