National Workshop in Kyrgyzstan

Background: Agrifood systems worldwide are under increasing pressure from climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and natural resource degradation. These challenges are further exacerbated by geopolitical and economic uncertainties, which disrupt food supply chains and markets, ultimately threatening food security. Human-driven climate change is accelerating these negative consequences, making urgent action essential.

Kyrgyzstan is already experiencing significant climate impacts. Over the past 40 years, the temperature in Kyrgyzstan has increased by 1.12°C, which is already close to the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. By 2100, it is projected that with a temperature rise of 4°C, the area of melted glaciers could reach around 80%, which may lead to a water shortage.

Recognizing these risks, Kyrgyzstan is prioritizing a transition toward a green economy, integrating sustainability into national policies. The Green Economy Development Program (2019-2023) laid the foundation for climate resilience, and the new 2024-2028 strategy further advances this vision by focusing on climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management. Within this framework, green agriculture - which promotes sustainable farming practices, efficient water management, and eco-friendly technologies - has emerged as a key strategic priority.

Expanding on these priorities, the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) has been actively advancing Green Agriculture (GA) initiatives since 2022. The Green Agriculture Initiative (GAI) was established to connect science, policy, and technology, facilitating knowledge exchange and driving innovation. This initiative aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework, contributing to the “four betters” - better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life - ensuring inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.

As part of these ongoing efforts, the FAO regional project TCP/RER/3906 - “Scaling-Up Green Agriculture in Europe and Central Asia” - is being implemented in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia, with Kyrgyzstan recently joining. The project aims to enhance green agriculture knowledge-sharing, build local capacities, and strengthen scientific collaboration to drive sustainability in the region.

Main objective: Introduce Green Agriculture as holistic, multidisciplinary and nexus framework for greening agrifood systems in support of green economy strategy in Kyrgyzstan and define capacity development needs of the country related to green agriculture.

Expected results:

• Current Status of Green Agriculture in Kyrgyzstan shared
• Policy and technical recommendations for Green Agriculture implementation provided
• Next steps defined towards establishing the National Technical network to promote green agriculture

Target Audience: Government agencies, development partners, academic and research institutions, NGO and civil society, the private sector, farmers and agricultural cooperatives, youth and other interested stakeholders.

 

Format: The workshop will be held in a hybrid format with the participation of in-person attendees as well as virtual attendees. Link for virtual attendees: ___

Working Language: The working language of the workshop will be Kyrgyz and Russian. Simultaneous translation into English and vice-versa will be provided.

AGENDA

Date: 28 February 2025 Venue: City Hotel, Str. Baitk-Baatyr 34/1 Moderator: Gulmira Urmanbetova, Green Agriculture Initiative Project Coordinator, FAO REU
14.00 – 14.30	Registration
14.30 – 14.40	Welcome and opening remarks: -   Mr. Almaz Zheenaliev, Chief Expert of the Department of Industry Policy of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic -   Mr. Zhanybek Kerimaliev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic -   Mr. Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic
14.40 -14.50	Green Economy Strategy in the Kyrgyz Republic Representative of the MoEС KR
14:50-15:05	Green agriculture framework Tania Santivanez, Agricultural Officer
15:05-15:15	Green Agriculture Platform and E-learning course Gulmira Urmanbetova, Project Coordinator
15:15-15:30	Green Agriculture and it’s role in Green Economy Strategy Uran Chekirbaev, Deputy Director of the Processing Industry and Organic Agriculture of the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the KR
15:30 -15:40	Q&A session/recommendations
15:40 -15:50	Wrapping up and next steps
15:50 -16:00	Closing remarks -   Mr. Zhanybek Kerimaliev, Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic -   Mr. Oleg Guchgeldiyev, FAO Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic
16:00 -16:30	Coffee break