Safeguarding wetland ecosystems and pastoral communities in the Kyrgyz Mountains

Overview

Son Kul Lake has an ecologically, socio-culturally and naturally distinctive SEPLS. The lake has been designated as a site of the Ramsar Convention as well as the International Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA). It is recognised as being of significant value not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for the whole Central Asian region. The state of biodiversity largely depends on the sustainability of the entire mountain ecosystem including the lake, which play a significant role in soil formation, prevention of floods, mudflows, landslides, etc. The area is also part of the cultural heritage of Kyrgyz people - it is associated with their religious beliefs and spiritual values, and provides a source of aesthetic and artistic inspiration. It is also important for the livelihoods of local communities. Livestock is the main source of income for rural households. However, the project site, Naryn region, where Son Kul Lake is located, is historically one of the poorest regions in the Kyrgyz Republic with over 30% of the local population living in poverty. The people are directly dependent on natural resources and biodiversity which have been degraded due to human activities and climate change, increasing the risk of disaster.
The overall aim of the project is to empower local communities of Cholpon rural municipality to sustainably manage, protect and preserve the wetland ecosystems of Son Kul Lake. The project’s objectives are to: (1) build capacity and raise awareness of local communities on effective use, management and preservation of Son Kul Lake’s unique wetland mountain ecosystems; and (2) strengthen resilience and livelihoods of local communities. Intended outcomes are improved knowledge and capacity of local communities to reassure them of their responsibility and increase their capacity on monitoring and conservation of the SEPLS.