Kyrgyzstan plans to expand protected areas by 2035

Kyrgyzstan plans to expand protection for high-mountain glaciers, mountain landscapes and state forests under a draft strategy for 2026–2035. The draft was opened for public discussion on October 26 by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, AnewZ reports.

According to the explanatory document, protected natural areas currently cover 11.8% of the country. The strategy aims to increase their share to 20% by 2030 and 30% by 2035. However, a separate section sets 2030 as the deadline for the 30% target, creating a discrepancy in the timeline.

Capacity of existing protected areas to be increased

Protected natural areas in Kyrgyzstan currently cover about 2.36 million hectares, or 23,600 square kilometres. Some of the recent expansion has involved creating ecological corridors linking protected areas. In 2025, the 792,000-hectare (7,920-square-kilometre) Ak Ilbirs corridor was established.

The draft would allow productive pastures to continue to be used for agriculture. Local communities would also be able to continue traditional livestock grazing in designated buffer zones.

The strategy envisages upgrades to park infrastructure and digital monitoring and data-recording systems, as well as improved training and equipment for forest rangers.

Priorities also include combating illegal hunting and protecting vulnerable wildlife. Special attention is planned for the snow leopard, the Tien Shan brown bear, ancient walnut forests and glaciers.

Tourism to face environmental restrictions

Private investors may be allowed to develop tourism facilities in designated recreational zones of national parks. However, the draft prohibits transferring protected land into private ownership and constructing permanent buildings.

The authorities aim to improve revenue collection by introducing cashless payments for park entrance tickets. Communities living nearby could benefit from tourism through guesthouses and other small businesses.

The strategy warns that rising visitor numbers could damage fragile ecosystems, particularly in Ala-Archa, Karakol, Chong-Kemin and Kyrgyz-Ata national parks.

The expansion is planned to be financed through existing state allocations, park entrance fees and international grants. The strategy’s authors say the measures can be implemented without additional funding from the state budget.