Recently, journalists visited the Chon-Kemin State Natural Park, where director Adilbek Kasymaliev shared information about current projects, achieved results, and efforts aimed at protecting the unique nature of the Chon-Kemin Valley and rare animals.
Established on August 13, 1997, by the decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 472, Chon-Kemin Park was founded on the basis of the Kemin Forestry and occupies an important place in the system of protected natural areas of the country.
The main task of creating the park is to protect unique natural complexes, safeguard rare and endemic species of plants and animals, increase forest areas, and develop ecological tourism. The park is famous for its rich biological diversity and picturesque landscapes, making it a significant site for both nature conservation and tourists.
The total area of the park is 123,654 hectares, of which 13,965 hectares are covered by forests. Within the park, several functional zones have been designated:
• Protected zone — 39,320.5 ha,
• Ecologically stabilizing zone — 18,438.7 ha,
• Tourist-recreational zone — 10,495.9 ha,
• Zone with limited economic activity — 55,398.9 ha.
The park employs 37 staff members, including 11 administrative staff, 20 rangers, and 6 technical specialists.
Forest Restoration
As noted by Adilbek Kasymaliev, recent years have focused on forest restoration and improving ecosystem resilience.
In 2022, in the Tyumen-Kemin section, in collaboration with the "Ilbirs" fund and local residents, 650 seedlings of Tien Shan fir were planted over an area of 1 hectare. In the spring of 2024, 1,450 seedlings of coniferous and deciduous trees were planted in the Kichi-Kemin and Kemin sections over an area of 2.3 ha. In the fall of the same year, 1,367 red fir trees were planted over an area of 4 ha, with a survival rate of 95%.
The park operates four nurseries, where more than 174,000 seedlings have been grown, of which 55,000 have already been planted. In 2024, the third nursery underwent reconstruction, including the renewal of fences, delivery of fertile soil, clearing of old plants, and acquisition of modern equipment.
International Cooperation
Chon-Kemin Park actively develops international connections. In 2024, a memorandum was signed in Almaty, involving representatives of the park and environmental protection structures of Kazakhstan. An agreement was also concluded with the National Academy of Sciences of Kyrgyzstan for joint research in the fields of forest ecology and tree diseases.
To prevent corruption among staff, training seminars and meetings with explanations are conducted with the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Modern Equipment and Technology
As reported by the director, in 2024-2025, the park updated its material and technical base. With the help of the ministry and the Kemin Development Fund, service vehicles such as Chevrolet Cobalt, JAC, and Labo, two drones, four radios, and six residential houses for staff were acquired. The total amount for the updates exceeded 2.6 million soms. Additionally, three small outposts were built using the park's own funds.
Biological Diversity
The park is home to 207 species of animals, including 4 species of fish (osman, gudgeon, marinka, Amudarya trout), 2 species of amphibians, 11 species of reptiles, 45 mammals, and 140 species of birds.
Rare and protected species listed in the Red Book include the snow leopard (ilbirs), brown bear, maral, bugoo, and souslik. Among rare birds, one can find the golden eagle, bearded vulture, black vulture, eagle owl, steppe eagle, grouse, and curlew.
Monitoring and Protection of Rare Species
According to Adilbek Kasymaliev, the installation of additional camera traps has helped clarify the population of snow leopards, with 11 individuals of this rare predator currently recorded in the park.
The "Ilbirs" fund provided 20 camera traps and 25 smartphones for rangers, totaling over 600,000 soms, significantly improving monitoring and protection of the area.
Environmental Education and Tourism
The park actively engages in environmental education, organizing excursions, lectures, and tree planting events for schoolchildren, students, and tourists. Natural gems such as Lake Kol-Tor, the Zhashyl-Kol area, and picturesque mountain valleys are becoming particularly popular among visitors wishing to observe rare birds and animals.
The director emphasized that Chon-Kemin State Natural Park remains one of the main centers of ecological balance in Kyrgyzstan and plays an important role in preserving the country's natural heritage.
