On July 8, 2025, a national consultation was held in Bishkek, organized by the University of Central Asia with support of the Global Environment Facility's Small Grants Programme (GEF SGP), with the participation of key environmental organizations and experts. The event aimed to discuss the priorities of Operational Phase 8 (OP8) and to map existing initiatives in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable community development.
Vladimir Grebnev, Regional Climate Change Specialist of the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), highlighted CAREC’s work in the Kyrgyz Republic and other Central Asian countries in supporting regional dialogues, developing climate finance mechanisms, promoting sustainable natural resource management, restoring local irrigation infrastructure, and applying tools for vulnerability mapping and integration of adaptation measures into local and national development plans. Special attention was given to the implementation of the Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Central Asia, for which he leads the Secretariat.
The consultation provided a platform for participants to align on key priorities for the Kyrgyz Republic, including the conservation of mountain ecosystem biodiversity, development of local sustainable land-use mechanisms, and strengthening the climate resilience of rural communities. Vladimir Grebnev emphasized the importance of aligning proposed local initiatives with regional adaptation agendas and the country’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
As a result of the meeting, participants developed a preliminary list of strategic directions and agreed to continue refining the OP8 strategy of the GEF SGP in the Kyrgyz Republic, taking into account both national and regional priorities.
Contact information:
Vladimir Grebnev – CAREC Regional Climate Change Specialist, cc_specialist@carececo.org