Kyrgyz Cabinet Expands Powers for Biodiversity and Protected Areas Department

The Kyrgyz cabinet has significantly enhanced the authority of the Department for the Conservation of Biodiversity and Particularly Protected Natural Territories. Amendments to the department's regulations grant it expanded responsibilities aimed at strengthening environmental protection across the nation.

Under the new provisions, the department will play a central role in coordinating the activities of all particularly protected natural territories (PPNTs). It will also be involved in the establishment of new reserves and the expansion of existing ones. A key focus will be on developing proposals for the growth of the PPNT network and actively seeking investments and grants to fund vital conservation initiatives.

Furthermore, the department's enforcement capabilities have been bolstered. Its staff will now have the authority to halt violations of environmental legislation. This includes conducting inspections of vehicles, luggage, and hunting equipment within PPNTs. They can also confiscate illegally obtained flora and fauna, issue protocols and reports on violations, and oversee the use of state property and funds allocated to these protected areas.

In addition to these measures, the department is tasked with maintaining national biodiversity databases, coordinating the financial and operational activities of reserves and national parks, and organizing conservation and biotechnical events. It will also contribute to the Kyrgyzstan Red Book and promote eco-tourism and scientific research within these natural zones. The new regulations are set to take effect ten days after their publication.