Ismail Dairova, director of the "Regional Mountain Center of Central Asia" and former advisor to the Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan, addressed President Sadyr Japarov with a proposal to enhance the country's participation in regional environmental cooperation. In his address, he also urged consideration of the possibility of leading the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS), emphasizing that this could strengthen interaction within the region, attract international projects, and protect Kyrgyzstan's interests in water and climate issues.
According to Dairova, despite the declared course towards debureaucratization, key strategic problems remain unresolved in the country, especially in the area of international environmental cooperation, water resource management, and climate policy, which directly affect Kyrgyzstan's interests.
As a professional engaged in environmental and climate issues for many years, he finds it unacceptable that since 2016 Kyrgyzstan has effectively not participated in the active activities of IFAS. Over three decades of independence, the country has not managed to take the chairmanship of this organization.
The chairmanship in IFAS provides real advantages, such as attracting donor funds, international investments, implementing environmental projects, and strengthening ties with Central Asia, which in turn contributes to enhancing Kyrgyzstan's authority on the international stage.
Dairova has repeatedly raised this issue before the country's leadership, sending appeals and proposals, but no systemic decisions have been made, leaving the problem relevant.
In April, a summit of IFAS will be held in Astana with the participation of heads of state and a regional environmental summit. These events are important platforms for discussing cooperation in the areas of ecology, water resources, and climate challenges. If Kyrgyzstan does not take the initiative, the opportunity for chairmanship may pass to another country, which would lead to a loss of financial resources and projects.
An important aspect is the presence of professionals in the field of regional environmental cooperation, water diplomacy, and climate policy. Without a qualified approach, the country risks being limited to mere declarations without moving to concrete actions.
Kyrgyzstan is interested in developing cooperation with neighboring states, which should manifest not only in words but also in real initiatives and leadership on key issues.
In the coming months, the president plans to participate in international environmental forums and summits. It is crucial that Kyrgyzstan's position is based on national interests and professional expertise.
Therefore, Dairova emphasizes the need to convey this information to the president and calls for special attention to Kyrgyzstan's participation in IFAS and regional environmental cooperation.
He is confident that timely measures in this area will help strengthen the country's position, expand international cooperation, and ensure sustainable development in the region, - concludes his address.
