Kyrgyzstan plants over 400,000 trees to combat climate change

Kyrgyzstan is actively working to combat climate change through a significant tree-planting initiative. This spring, over 400,000 forest and fruit trees took root across four districts: Uzgen, Suzak, Ak-Tala, and Toguz-Toro. These areas, identified as highly vulnerable to climate shifts in the Naryn, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions, have seen average annual temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius over 27 years.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is spearheading this effort, selecting tree species like Tien Shan spruce, juniper, walnut, and various fruit trees. These species are chosen for their resilience to Kyrgyzstan's climate and their capacity to absorb carbon. The project extends beyond planting, providing essential materials such as protective fencing and drip irrigation systems where necessary.

Local communities are integral to the project's success. Residents are receiving training in climate change adaptation, sustainable resource management, and effective forest and pasture land improvement. The FAO aims to restore over 6,000 hectares of forest, a crucial step in mitigating the impacts of climate change, including decreased precipitation and increased natural disasters like landslides and mudflows. The initiative, a collaboration with national partners and funded by the Green Climate Fund, began in 2023.

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Based on scientific research, seedlings of the following species were selected for planting: Tien Shan spruce, juniper, walnut, almond, poplar, apple, apricot, and plum. These species are adapted to Kyrgyzstan’s climatic conditions and possess high resilience and carbon absorption capacity.