Despite its rapid development since gaining independence in 1991, the Kyrgyz Republic still faces long-term social and environmental challenges. However, in accordance with its proposed climate commitments (nationally determined contribution to the global response to climate change, INDC) in the framework of the Paris Agreement concluded in 2015 under the UNFCCC (Framework Convention on Climate Change) of the UN, the Kyrgyz Republic has opportunities for more widespread use of alternative renewable energy sources; creating less carbon-intensive and more climate-resilient infrastructure; intensification of reforestation activities in mountain areas; along with the potential for implementing adaptation actions in all sectors of the water (assessment of glacier and lake vulnerability indicators) and agriculture (crop productivity and adaptability, pasture assessment), health and vulnerability assessment, as well as adaptation measures to extreme climate events.
As part of its efforts to achieve sustainable development, the Kyrgyz Republic started the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2016 and 2018 adopted the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040[1]. In accordance with this program, the main policy in the field of environmental protection is aimed at creating a favorable environment for human life, rational use of natural resources for socio-economic development and preservation of unique ecosystems of the Kyrgyz Republic for future generations. The main role is assigned to the development and promotion of environmental education and training from the level of kindergartens and schools. This will make it possible to form a generation of citizens with a positive ecological outlook and awareness of responsibility for the preservation of the country’s natural resource potential.
In 2005, the Kyrgyz Republic declared its commitment to the concept of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and since March 2005 has joined the implementation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Strategy on ESD and the UN Decade on ESD, and after 2014 it is implementing the Global Program of Action on ESD. The Kyrgyz Republic needs to increase the capacity of teachers and schoolchildren on sustainable development issues, in forming sustainable lines of behavior, in developing school plans for sustainable lifestyles, and sustainable consumption and production.
The Kyrgyz Republic will build on these initial efforts through the implementation of plans in 3- 5 schools. In parallel, internal capacity for mainstreaming and supporting sustainable schools will be further strengthened through the development of environmental education materials. An awareness raising campaign will be developed and implemented to encourage participation in the project and in sustainable lifestyles more broadly.
[1] National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040