A World Bank technical mission was held in Bishkek to support the implementation of the Kyrgyz Republic Resilient Landscape Restoration Project under the RESILAND CA+ Program (KG RESILAND) with particular focus on grey solutions – civil works on mudflow and flood protection engineering structures and natural risks monitoring.
During the mission, representatives of the World Bank, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, relevant government agencies, and contracting organizations reviewed progress on key project components aimed at grey solutions: feasibility study and detailed design for mudflow protection structures, and enhancing engineering asset management system, and enhancing systems for monitoring of natural processes.
The project focuses on introduction of integrated green (NBS) and grey (embankments) solutions that include resilient landscapes, introduction of nature based solutions, improving resilience to natural risks, and strengthening national monitoring and forecasts systems.
The mission agenda included meetings with the engineering team of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Project Implementation Unit, and contracting organizations. Discussions focused on both technical and institutional aspects of the project, including the development of engineering solutions, establishment of a mudflow risk management system, and introduction of modern monitoring tools.
Representatives of the Project Implementation Unit and specialists from “EAAS” LLC presented progress on the preparation of feasibility studies and design and estimate documentation for five priority sites under the first phase of mudflow protection. Participants reviewed proposed engineering solutions and discussed key technical aspects of design preparation.
A dedicated session focused on the implementation of a mudflow asset management system, including a demonstration of a prototype platform for managing mudflow protection infrastructure.
The mission also reviewed the project’s IT component, which includes the development of a hardware and software for the Department of Monitoring and Forecasting of Emergency Situations of the MES KR. This component includes the introduction of high-performance computing systems and modern data processing tools to improve monitoring and forecasting of hydrometeorological risks.
In addition, participants discussed the development and implementation of a national cryosphere monitoring system that includes establishment of national system of glacier and snow cover monitoring system.
The mission concluded with a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic and National Project Coordinator, Iskender Sulaimanov. The parties agreed on next steps for project implementation and strengthened coordination between national and international partners.
During the meeting, World Bank Senior Environmental Specialist and RESILAND Project Team Leader Aidai Bayalieva proposed establishing a working group of MES KR engineers to review design documentation and address technical aspects of engineering solutions.
Iskender Sulaimanov noted that these proposals will be considered in accordance with established procedures, with a focus on further strengthening the design and engineering of mudflow protection infrastructure.
“Cooperation with the World Bank plays an important role in advancing the project and strengthening the resilience to climate risks. Joint efforts are helping build system capacity and enhance public safety,” said Iskender Sulaimanov.
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The Kyrgyz Republic Resilient Landscape Restoration Project is part of the World Bank’s RESILAND CA+ program, aimed at strengthening landscape resilience across Central Asian countries. Similar national and regional activities are also being implemented in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) implements the regional component of the Kyrgyz Republic Resilient Landscape Restoration Project.
Additional Information:
Chinara Berbayeva – Deputy Director, Project Implementation Department under the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic / Project Manager, RESILAND Kyrgyzstan
Lyudmila Kiktenko – Deputy Team Leader, “Restoration of Sustainable Landscapes in Kyrgyzstan: Regional Component” Project, CAREC