The OSCE, in partnership with the UNDP, the Min-Kush local government and with financial support from the European Union, organized the Forum "Development of Min-Kush through Sustainable Tourism"
The Forum was organized in cooperation with the Office of the Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic for Mountain Regions Development, the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in Naryn region, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the State Agency for Tourism Development under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Aarhus Centre in Osh.
The Forum aimed to unlock the tourism potential of Min-Kush, a former uranium mining hub, where all remediation works have been successfully completed. By highlighting its natural landscapes, industrial history, and cultural assets, the event sought to promote Min-Kush as a destination for adventure, cultural, and industrial tourism. It directly supports the Five-Year Action Plan for Mountain Regions (2023-2027), approved by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, which promotes sustainable development, heritage preservation, and environmental safety in mountain areas.
Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic Rémi Duflot, remarked: "This forum is a unique opportunity for Min-Kush to showcase its tourism potential, building on its natural endowments and its unique history as a Uranium Legacy Site. The EU will continue supporting the efforts undertaken by national and local authorities, in partnership with the EBRD, OSCE, and UNDP, to provide better opportunities for the populations residing near the ULS of Kyrgyzstan."
The event brought together more than 100 tourism industry representatives, international organizations, local authorities, media representatives, and communities from uranium legacy sites across Kyrgyzstan. Participants explored Min-Kush, nearby natural sites, remediated areas, and a yurt camp. A panel discussion examined Min-Kush's tourism potential and integrating the area into regional tourism routes.
"We look forward with optimism and continue exploring new initiatives to support towns and settlements with uranium legacy. Through strengthened co-operation and sustainable development efforts, we aim to help unlock local potential, create new opportunities, and support communities actively shaping the future of their towns and villages". - Ambassador, Head of the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek Volker Frobarth
A dedicated roundtable during the forum advanced the establishing a co-operation platform for settlements located near uranium legacy sites, supporting a national initiative for an international association. Foundational documents were adopted, underscoring that remediation efforts should go hand in hand with socio-economic development.
"Within this partnership, UNDP's contribution focuses on supporting local communities living near uranium legacy sites. Our work is centered on people - on strengthening community participation, supporting local initiative, and helping residents identify practical ways to improve livelihoods and quality of life. One important element of UNDP's work is grant support for local initiatives. Through this approach, communities, civil society organizations, women, youth, local groups, and small entrepreneurs can propose and implement practical ideas that respond to local priorities." - Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The OSCE-UNDP project "Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia - Phase III" aims to reduce environmental and socio-economic risks associated with uranium legacy sites through inclusive dialogue, public participation, and sustainable development measures. This joint initiative builds on previous co-operation to enhance safety and resilience in vulnerable communities across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
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