LocationsUNDP and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Strengthen Early Warning Systems for Monitoring and Forecasting Disasters in Kyrgyzstan’s Fergana Valley
December 9, 2024
December 9, 2024, Maidan – The opening of a weather station for the early warning system aimed at protecting the Fergana Valley from climate risks and potential natural disasters was held today in Batken. This weather station is one of four planned for launch in the region. Similar stations will soon be operational in the pilot communities of Barpy, Jany-Nookat, and Orozkbekovo.
The Fergana Valley, one of the most densely populated and climate-vulnerable regions in Central Asia, regularly faces risks of floods, mudslides, and landslides. The newly installed weather station in Maidan village will enable the timely collection and analysis of data to monitor natural threats, improve forecasts, and facilitate rapid response. This is particularly relevant following the devastating floods of the summer of 2024, which underscored the need to strengthen early warning systems.
Azamat Mambetov, First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations remarked:
"Early warning and monitoring systems are our priority. New technologies and our partnership with UNDP and the EU help us ensure the safety and resilience of our citizens."
The UN Secretary-General's global call, "Early Warning for All," serves as a guiding framework for such initiatives aimed at protecting lives and livelihoods in the face of a changing climate.
Alexandra Solovieva, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, emphasized:
"This weather station is a vivid example of how advanced technologies can strengthen the resilience of local communities to climate challenges. We continue to support Kyrgyzstan in building a reliable monitoring and early warning system."
Stefano Corrado, Project Manager, European Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, added: "The project has played an important role in helping the local services in Batken Region to be better prepared and better resourced in anticipating the disruptions caused by natural hazards. This is an important service offered to the local populations and I am proud of the partnership we have built with both the Ministry of Emergency Situations and UNDP in this framework”
The ceremony was attended by representatives of central and local authorities, including the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Batken region, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Delegation of the European Union to Kyrgyzstan, UNDP, and residents of Maidan village.
EU Support:
The project is implemented under the UNDP project “Climate Change and Resilience in Central Asia” with financial support from the European Union. As part of the project, four pilot weather stations were installed in Barpy, Jany-Nookat, Maidan, and Orozkbekovo, with awareness-raising activities conducted for local communities, taking a gender-inclusive approach.
UNDP and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic continue to work on strengthening the early warning system to ensure sustainable development and protect the population from climate risks.
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