31 May, Bishkek – The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted a round table discussion on the interim results of the UNDP-GCF project: ‘Advancing the Process of Development of a National Adaptation Plan (NAP) for Medium- and Long-Term Planning and Implementation of Adaptation Measures to Climate Change in the Kyrgyz Republic.

At the roundtable sectoral plans along with sectoral and provincial adaptation measures were presented. Stakeholders, including the public, state and local self-government bodies, academia and the expert community participated in the constructive discussions. 

Melis Turgunbaev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision emphasized Kyrgyzstan’s dedication to climate action:  "We are not only developing a national level adaptation plan but also four sectoral level plans. Moreover, we are developing three oblast level adaptation plans for the most climate-vulnerable areas. It is critical to integrate and mainstream these plans into national and oblast-level development strategies."

Climate change poses a serious threat to the future of Kyrgyzstan. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and destructive, affecting key sectors such as agriculture, health, biodiversity conservation and emergency management.

Monica Rijal, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative noted:  "The commitments announced by President Japarov to achieve carbon neutrality and prioritize the mountain agenda underscore Kyrgyzstan's strong determination to lead by example on the world stage. These commitments have been recognized internationally, reflecting Kyrgyzstan's resolve to address climate change proactively."

In order to ensure food security, protect ecosystems, prevent climate risks and preserve public health, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, with support from UNDP-GCF, is actively working on the development of a National Adaptation Plan to Climate Change.

As part of this project, climate risks in four key sectors have been assessed. Sectoral adaptation plans and action plans have been developed for Osh, Batken and Jalal-Abad oblasts. Support was also provided to the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Hydrometeorological Service of the Kyrgyz Republic in improving the system of climate change statistics, with the creation of 95 statistical indicators for more accurate monitoring of climate change.

MP Dinara Ashymova emphasized: "I want to request to reflect in adaptation plans a role of women. Women are very active in promoting green initiatives. Women's mentorship programs should be developed to ensure the country's green transition."

Joint dialogue and exchange of views on the prepared draft adaptation plans will make it possible to take into account the proposals of all stakeholders and achieve the desired results.

During the round table, several key elements of the NAP were discussed, led by policymakers and experts. The discussions underscored that the NAP is an iterative process, continually updated to reflect improvements in climate models and data. Through the UNDP's GCF-funded NAP project, significant progress has been made, including the development of a climate statistic with 95 specific indicators in collaboration with the National Statistical Committee and the Hydro-meteorological Service.

Elena Doronina, Leading specialist of the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic remarked, "Our work on developing comprehensive climate statistics is pivotal for designing effective climate adaptation actions at both national and local levels. These statistics will serve as a foundation for robust, data-driven planning."

The round table concluded with a consensus on the importance of incorporating all discussed plans and changes into the final National Adaptation Plan. The aim was to submit these refined plans for further clearance by the respective ministries.