Кыргызстан
Despite the rapid decline in suicide rates over the last decade, every day one Kyrgyzstani citizen dies by suicide. What is more concerning is that the actual number might be much higher considering the stigma around this topic which often complicates data evaluation. For example, the World Health Organization stopped displaying data after 2020, making the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic the only available data source. (more…)
This year, Kyrgyzstan has registered the unprecedented increase in the number of mudflows. The analysis of causes shows that other than heavy rains such devastating consequences of mudflows have been caused by the insufficient performance of local authorities.
The provision of gas supply to private houses in Bishkek is considered an essential measure to improve the air quality. However, half of residents of the new gas supplied residential areas still use coal for heating. According to experts, the success of the programme depends on the mass switching to gas. Otherwise, the situation will not improve.
In Bishkek, contrary to the master plan, a tree belt area in southern residential areas of the city has been actually destroyed in the last few years. However, it has played a significant role in the urban ecology. Now, the area is built with high-rise residential buildings. According to officials, the law does not specify any punishment for the violation of the master plan, while independent experts say that drastic measures need to be employed.
Development of green tourism in Kyrgyzstan needs complex measures, experts say. In particular, the country needs the system and institutions that will be responsible for garbage recycling, as well as monitoring authorities that will work together with the civil society. (more…)
Throughout history, Central Asian countries have benefited from the ancient Silk Road which connected East Asia with Europe and later on other parts of the world by making Central Asia as a true crossroads of civilizations. Today, Central Asia still has significant potential for connectivity and economic development; meanwhile, this potential and opportunities have so far been untapped, as the region are not yet fully integrated into the global economy due to logistical and connectivity constraints. (more…)
According to experts, Kyrgyzstan may face some problems requiring urgent solution when transitioning to electric vehicles.
In May 2022, 35 elks were brought to the national reserve ‘Besh-Tash’ in Talas region from Altai. Elks, like snow leopards, are totem animals of the Kyrgyz and are deeply respected by the people. Therefore, the arrival of elks was taken very positively. But in terms of the science, it was not so amazing. The Altai subspecies of elks may become the reason for disappearance of the Tien Shan elk, the indigenous inhabitant of the lands of Kyrgyzstan.
Women continue to be killed. Why does Kyrgyzstan not recognize the existence of femicide at the legislative level? (more…)