In celebration of FAO’s 80th Anniversary, 80 hectares of forests were planted in Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek – In honor of the 80th Anniversary of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), tree-planting events were held in Kyrgyzstan. As part of the CS-FOR project, new fruit and forest plantations covering a total area of 80 hectares were established in the Ak-Talaa, Suzak, Toguz-Toro, and Uzgen districts.
The activities were carried out on state forest fund lands and municipal plots. Local authorities actively supported the initiative, with participation from Ayil Okmotu (local administrations), municipal leaders, forestry directors, representatives of state administrations, schools, youth, members of civil society organizations, project partners, and FAO representatives.
“We sincerely congratulate FAO on its 80th Anniversary!” said Bakytbek Suyunbaev, first deputy head of the Suzak district state administration in Jalal-Abad region. “For our region, preserving and restoring land resources is of utmost importance. Thanks to our collaboration with the FAO project, we are successfully transforming degraded pastures into fertile orchards. FAO provides us with seedlings, fencing materials, and drip irrigation systems, contributing to the social and economic development of our region.”
The tree-planting initiative was implemented under the Carbon sequestration through climate investment in forests and rangelands in the Kyrgyz Republic (CS-FOR) project, funded by the Green Climate Fund. The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. It is being executed by FAO in partnership with national stakeholders, including the Forest Service under the Ministry of emergency situations of Kyrgyzstan, the Community Development and Investment Agency (ARIS), and the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (RKDF).
“We conducted scientific research to identify tree species suitable for this area,” said Kanat Jantaev, FAO project forestry specialist. “These include apple, apricot, almond, walnut, and poplar trees.”
Over the next five years, the project plans to carry out reforestation activities across 3 440 hectares, including coniferous and deciduous tree plantations. Additionally, nut and fruit orchards will be established on 1 200 hectares, growing walnut, pistachio, apple, plum, and apricot saplings. A further 2 560 hectares will undergo natural forest regeneration, bringing the total reforestation area to 6 000 hectares.
To ensure successful implementation, the project will finance not only seedlings and seeds but also protective fencing, drip irrigation systems, and forestry infrastructure development. Two pilot forest districts will establish modern nurseries for cultivating planting materials.
A key aspect of the project is the promotion of public-private partnerships. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in establishing nut and fruit orchards or other horticultural crops on forest fund or municipal lands through long-term leases. This initiative opens new opportunities for sustainable agricultural development and the growth of Kyrgyzstan’s green economy.
Learn more:
- Climate Change
- FAO and the Green Climate Fund (GCF)
- FAO representative visits Kyrgyzstan to discuss the climate change and forest ecosystem restoration agenda
- The FAO project will help Kyrgyzstan to combat climate change
- In Kyrgyzstan, FAO and partners aim to help restore ecosystems critical to combating climate change
