However, in his opinion, climate change is having an increasingly negative impact on water resources worldwide.
According to international organizations, more than 3.6 billion people are already facing water shortages, and by 2050 this number could exceed 5 billion. The temperature on the planet is rising faster, and the amount of precipitation is decreasing, leading to droughts and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events.
“Global warming affects the water cycle on Earth, and its consequences are felt everywhere—from large states to small countries like ours. Research shows that glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate: over the past 70 years, their area in Kyrgyzstan has decreased by 16 percent. This disappearance of glaciers leads to a reduction in river and reservoir flow, as well as worsening conditions for energy production,” noted the president.
Sadyr Japarov also emphasized the importance of Issyk-Kul, which is a significant natural object and ecosystem.
“Since 1854, the water level in the lake has decreased by almost 14 meters, its volume is 85 billion cubic meters, and the number of rivers flowing into it has decreased by more than three times. In the 1950s and 1960s, about 100-110 rivers flowed into the lake, now there are only 30-35. If this trend continues, the region will face serious ecological and socio-economic problems,” he added.
The government is taking necessary steps: water inflows into the lake are being increased, and projects for the construction of new channels and hydraulic structures are being implemented. Water is a key issue for the country's food security. Currently, 95 percent of the consumed water is used for agricultural needs, primarily for irrigation. Therefore, the rational use of every liter of water becomes a priority of state policy,” the president emphasized.
In recent years, Kyrgyzstan has allocated 16 billion soms for the restoration of canals and modernization of irrigation infrastructure.
“Thousands of kilometers of canals have been updated, hundreds of facilities have been repaired, and modern technologies for monitoring and distributing water are being implemented. We must treat water resources with care, avoid their misuse, transition to modern irrigation methods, protect glaciers, and increase forest areas. Every drop saved today is our contribution to a sustainable future. We will continue to invest in the preservation and rational use of water resources, as water is the strategic wealth of Kyrgyzstan and the foundation of the well-being of future generations,” concluded Sadyr Japarov.
