Kyrgyzstan officially takes over the torch of the UNCCD Silk Road Caravan!

Kyrgyzstan leg of the Silk Road Caravan: from the policy dialogue in Bishkek to the pastures of Issyk-Kul!

The international Silk Road Caravan of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) brings together representatives from different countries, experts and local communities to exchange experience on sustainable pasture and land management.
Kyrgyzstan, represented by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, alongside members of the ILC Asia National Coalition and RDF welcomed international Caravan participants who arrived for a crucial dialogue on climate change adaptation and pasture conservation. It included 5 days of intensive work, field visits, and cultural exchange.

In Bishkek, the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic and UNDP held a policy dialogue dedicated to the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The discussions focused on climate challenges for pastures and the role of local communities' traditional knowledge in adaptation. Participants discussed practical solutions for sustainable pasture management — from pasture management plans to water-saving technologies and the automated "E-Jaiyt" system, which UNDP supports the Ministry in applying.

The Caravan's route then continued to the Issyk-Kul region, where participants are learning about local practices for protecting land from degradation, traditional crafts, and the experience of local communities in preserving the natural resources of mountain landscapes. Participants visited an eco-farm in the Ton District, where methods for protecting the shoreline from degradation were demonstrated.

The Kyrgyzstan leg (June 15–20) is part of the Caravan's journey from COP16 in Riyadh to COP17 in Ulaanbaatar (17–28 August).

The Rural Development Fund (RDF) team extends its gratitude to the Ministry for supporting the dialogue and facilitating logistics!