Ismail Dairova, director of the "Regional Mountain Center of Central Asia" and former advisor to the Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, has sent a request to President Sadyr Japarov. He proposed to enhance Kyrgyzstan's participation in regional environmental cooperation and to consider the possibility of leading the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). Dairova believes that an active position from the country can strengthen cooperation in the region, attract international projects, and protect national interests in water and climate issues.
He noted that despite the declared course towards debureaucratization, strategic issues often remain in the shadows in reality. This is especially true for international environmental cooperation and water resource management, which directly affects Kyrgyzstan's interests.
As an expert in ecology and climate policy, Dairova expressed dissatisfaction that since 2016, Kyrgyzstan has not been actively participating in the activities of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS). In more than three decades of independence, the country has never held the position of chairperson in this organization.
However, the chairmanship in IFAS is not just a formality. It provides real opportunities for attracting donor funds, international investments, implementing environmental projects, and strengthening ties with neighboring countries, which, in turn, will enhance Kyrgyzstan's international status.
Dairova has raised this issue for many years, addressing the authorities, sending letters and articles, but systemic changes have not been made, and the problem remains relevant.
In April, a summit of IFAS is planned to be held in Astana, where heads of states will gather, and a regional environmental forum will take place. These events are important platforms for discussing cooperation in ecology, water resources, and climate challenges. If Kyrgyzstan does not take the initiative, the opportunity for chairmanship may be passed to another country, which will lead to the loss of important financial flows and projects.
Currently, it is important for issues of regional environmental cooperation and climate policy to be addressed by professionals. There is a lack of experts in these fields in the country, which can lead to declarations without real actions.
Kyrgyzstan is interested in developing relations with neighboring countries, and this cooperation should manifest not only in statements but also in concrete initiatives and leadership on key issues.
In the near future, the president of the country plans to participate in international environmental forums and summits. It is important that Kyrgyzstan's position is based on national interests and professional expertise.
Therefore, I insist on the necessity of conveying this information to the president and urge special attention to be given to Kyrgyzstan's participation in IFAS and regional environmental cooperation.
I am convinced that timely actions in this area will help strengthen our country's position, expand international cooperation, and ensure sustainable development in the region," Dairova concluded in his address.
