A symposium on "Prospects for the Creation and Development of Geoparks in the Mountain Regions of Kyrgyzstan" took place in Kadji-Sai, Issyk-Kul region, as part of the Five Years of Action for Mountain Regions Development (2023-2027).
The event was organized by the Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic for the Mountain Agenda, Dinara Kemelova, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the OSCE, the Plenipotentiary Representation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Issyk-Kul region, the district state administrations of Jeti-Oguz and Ton districts, and the "Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul" destination association.
The symposium brought together representatives of national and local authorities, international organizations, academia, and civil society to discuss the role of geoparks in promoting sustainable development in mountainous areas. Participants explored opportunities to preserve geological, natural, and cultural heritage while supporting sustainable tourism, scientific research, green economy initiatives, and improved livelihoods for local communities.
Among the speakers were Member of Parliament Kamila Talieva, who presented ongoing efforts to develop draft legislation on geoparks in Kyrgyzstan, as well as representatives of government institutions, international organizations, and the Global Geoparks Network. Representatives from UNESCO, FAO, the United Nations, GSLEP, and expert communities also participated in the discussions.
Particular attention was given to existing initiatives aimed at establishing geoparks in Kyrgyzstan, including the "Teskey Geopark" on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the "Madygen" initiative in Batken region, and a proposed geopark in Osh region. Participants discussed the preservation of geological and cultural heritage and examined the potential of geotourism to generate sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
Discussions also focused on strengthening the legal and institutional framework for geopark development, including the establishment of a national co-ordination mechanism and a scientific network to support research and knowledge-sharing in this field.
The symposium highlighted the importance of co-operation among state institutions, international organizations, experts, and local communities in advancing Kyrgyzstan's integration into the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network and promoting the sustainable development of mountain regions across the country.
