11 December 2025, Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan – Forests play a vital role in ensuring the environmental sustainability of Kyrgyzstan. In the context of a changing climate, forest ecosystems protect mountain slopes from erosion and landslides, safeguard water resources, support pastures and serve as a habitat for the country’s unique biodiversity. Expanding forest cover is a critical step toward environmental security, sustainable rural development and improving people’s well-being.

On 5 December 2025, a tree-planting event was held in the Kara-Kemer Gorge of Ton District, Issyk-Kul Region, as part of the national “JashylMuras” (“Green Legacy”) campaign. The event brought together the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Forest Service, local authorities and community members. During the campaign, participants jointly planted 2 hectares of coniferous species, contributing to a larger 30-hectare reforestation site being established in the Kara-Kemer Gorge. 

The event also marked the opening of a new greenhouse and a cold storage facility for planting material at the Ton Forestry Unit. Both facilities were established as part of the FRIENDS regional project, strengthening the infrastructure needed to improve access to high-quality seedlings and to enhance the effectiveness of reforestation efforts in the region. 

The tree-planting initiative is part of the regional project FRIENDS – “Enhancing Forest Restoration Methods for Environmentally Sustainable Development in Central Asia”. The project is implemented under the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP) and supports countries in the region in strengthening their forest restoration capacities and combating land degradation.

“Developing the forest fund and restoring degraded lands are essential components of our national efforts to adapt to climate change”, stated Azamat Mambetov, the First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic. “We value the contribution of international partners and are confident that such initiatives will help strengthen the resilience of natural ecosystems and improve public safety.”

A distinctive feature of the event was a full practical demonstration of the forest restoration cycle – from sowing forest seeds in the greenhouse to creating teams and carrying out planting activities on designated plots. Participants were introduced to conifer planting techniques, safety procedures and methods for caring for young trees. This hands-on approach helps strengthen the knowledge of local specialists while raising public awareness about the importance of careful and responsible management of natural resources. 

“Expanding forest cover is a long-term investment in the resilience of mountain landscapes, the well-being of rural communities and the protection of natural resources”, explained Oleg Guchgeldyiev, the FAO Representative in Kyrgyzstan. “We are pleased to support Kyrgyzstan in this work and to bring international expertise through projects aimed at capacity development and the introduction of innovative forest restoration methods.” 

The FRIENDS project promotes modern nursery practices, specialist training, the establishment of pilot restoration sites and knowledge exchange among countries of Central Asia. It places particular emphasis on sustainable forest management, climate resilience, gender inclusiveness and expanding countries’ access to international best practices.

Kyrgyzstan is actively contributing to the implementation of the project by strengthening national forest restoration systems, improving infrastructure for seedling production and creating conditions for the long-term expansion of forest cover. The initiative is an important part of FAO’s broader efforts to enhance environmental resilience in the region and supports progress toward SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

About the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes 

The objectives of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programmes are to provide support to ensure food security, rural poverty reduction and sustainable forest management; combat desertification; and preserve ecosystems in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and other countries of mutual interest.

Established in 2007, the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Partnership Programme on Food and Agriculture (FTPP) has benefited from trust fund contributions totalling USD 10 million, financed by the Government of Türkiye and represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. During the first phase of the programme, 28 projects were implemented in 16 countries between 2009 and 2015.

In 2014, Türkiye and FAO commenced the second phase of the FTPP along with the first phase of the FAO-Türkiye Forestry Partnership Programme (FTFP) with additional funding of USD 20 million, bringing Türkiye’s total contribution to USD 30 million.

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