Next Steps for Conservation of Biological and Cultural Diversity
Next Steps for Conservation of Biological and Cultural Diversity through Traditional Knowledge in the Kyrgyz Republic Project
The Public Foundation "Rural Development Fund" (RDF) has implemented the Program to support local communities to inform and introduce mechanisms of Access and Regulation, as well as Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources in the Kyrgyz Republic. This Program was implemented within the framework of the project "Further Steps for Conservation of Biological and Cultural Diversity through Traditional Knowledge in the Kyrgyz Republic".
The project focused on strengthening the ability of local communities to improve their economic status through the conservation of traditional knowledge (TK), and the protection of biological and cultural resources based on Access and Equitable Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms.
The project activities are aimed at exploring opportunities for the implementation of the ABS system in local communities, by conducting information and awareness raising on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources (GR) and traditional knowledge (TK), in strengthening the capacity of the Pastoral Network (custodians of traditional knowledge) "Kyrgyz El Akyl Kazyna" (KEAK) in conducting research on ABS, and creating conditions for establishing a dialogue between all stakeholders on its promotion in the country.
Small Grants Program was implemented in 2017, called "ZHER BAILIGY - EL BAILIGY" - The Richness of Nature is a Richness of the People.
The purpose of the Program was to provide technical and advisory support to local community groups to study the utilization of genetic resources in the area, also introducing VRS mechanisms at the local level.
The objectives of the small projects were:
To sensitize local communities on ABS issues from the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
To create a platform for dialogue between all stakeholders on the implementation of ABS regimes.
Providing micro-grants to local communities for research, experience sharing, awareness-raising activities.
Program Milestones:
The first phase of the micro-grant program was a preliminary study of local communities with different experiences and skills in applying traditional knowledge of genetic resources.
The second stage was the stage of collecting micro-grant ideas for the implementation of the DRV mechanism in Kyrgyzstan. At this stage, members and leaders of the pastoral network of KEAC by regions from communities with experience in the utilization of genetic resources were actively involved.
The third stage of the program was based on the selection of ideas on genetic resources and associated TK provided by communities.
The fourth stage was the stage of implementation of micro-grant ideas, RDF provides advisory and technical support in the process of implementation of micro-grant ideas with the involvement of environmental specialists and experts from research organizations.
The final stage of the micro-grant program "Zher bailigy - El bailigy" was the organization of community festivals, and actions at the sites of small projects implementation, where the results of implemented micro-grants were presented. The principles of the DRV were discussed, as well as the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol in the country with the involvement of the local population.
Small grants topics and areas:
Activities to improve public awareness and discussion of the basic principles of the Nagoya Protocol.
Activities on conservation of natural plant resources for further protection and conservation of genetic resources.
Activities to increase the capacity of local communities on GR and TK issues.
Support activities on production of products utilizing genetic resources and associated TK.
Exchange visits between communities on experiences in the use and management of genetic resources.
It was planned that the Small Grants would be implemented on the following sites:
Communities where plant resources (berries, herbs) are actively used, where natural resources generate substantial income to support household welfare.
Communities where local people try to regulate the flow of tourists, and visitors, and do their own work to conserve local resources.
Communities that need support in protecting crop genetic resources (e.g. wheat species, potatoes, apricots, apples).
Communities in areas where there is significant harvesting of genetic resources such as aconite, liquorice, altyn tamyr, and other plant species, also wild berries, and other natural resources.