Promoting the green transition in Kyrgyzstan

Context

Kyrgyzstan grapples with the impact of climate change amidst its pursuit of economic growth. Rising temperatures lead to more frequent climate extremes such as droughts and unpredictable seasonal weather. These consequences negatively affect the economy, as more than half of the gross domestic product (GDP) comes from climate-sensitive activities. Prioritising the transition towards a greener economy stands as a paramount necessity for the country’s development. To maximize the benefits, integrating green economy principles into policies is essential to drive private industry growth and raise public awareness. Furthermore, Kyrgyzstan’s abundant natural resources, including forests and pastures, offer substantial potential for expanding both the agriculture and tourism industries. Access to green financing remains crucial for this transition, with initial regulatory steps underway.

Objective

The transition towards an inclusive green economy to enhance the well-being of the Kyrgyz population is underway.

Approach

The programme focuses on three key dimensions to promote a greener economy in Kyrgyzstan:

• Integrating environmental, societal, and private industry considerations: Developing evidence-based green economy policy instruments, such as the Green Economy Programme, Green Economic Modelling, and Green Finance.
• Supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs): Assisting MSMEs in adopting economically, socially, and environmentally beneficial green practices, focusing on tourism and agriculture. This includes promoting the adaptation of heat pumps for energy-efficiency and offering trainings and workshops for owners, managers, and employees of MSMEs.
• Promoting effective implementation of green economy policies: Encouraging stakeholders and the population to embrace an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Last update: March 2024