Kyrgyzstan Proposes Planting Five New Trees for Every One Cut Down

Kyrgyzstan is moving to enhance the protection of its urban green spaces with a new bill introduced to the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament). The proposed legislation aims to prevent the reduction of park, square, and boulevard areas during urban planning adjustments and dense construction projects. It also seeks to make the boundaries of recreational zones transparent by displaying them on open-access electronic maps for citizens.

A key provision of the bill requires developers to plant at least five large, climate-adapted saplings for every tree they remove. Developers must also ensure the care of these new trees for three years. If no suitable land is available at the construction site, local authorities, such as city administrations or ayil okmotus (rural self-government bodies), will be responsible for providing an alternative plot for afforestation.

Projects involving the felling of more than ten trees or shrubs will be subject to environmental impact assessments. Project documentation will need to include a dendrological plan detailing the species, age, and condition of each plant. Furthermore, the bill proposes assigning a digital passport to each tree in settlements, containing its coordinates and health status. Local self-government bodies will be mandated to conduct tree inventories at least every two years and maintain an open electronic registry.

The legislation also addresses water infrastructure, prohibiting the construction over or blockage of active irrigation ditches and canals without creating alternative pathways for water flow. New buildings will not be commissioned without the restoration of existing or construction of new irrigation networks. Penalties for damaging trees during construction work are proposed at 7,000 som for individuals and 13,000 som for legal entities. The responsibility for illegal felling will extend to trees in cities and villages not part of the state forest fund.