The project aims to reforest around 18,000 ha of mountainous and valley terrain in the Kyrgyz Republic by 2017 (exact sites to be determined and total reforestation area will potentially be scaled up, depending on additional financing). This is an innovative project, being the first carbon-sequestration project for the Kyrgyz Republic and Central Asia. The project will support numerous activities beyond the reforestation itself, including: a) the elaboration of management plans for reforestation sites and integrated management plans for livestock husbandry, animal grazing and forestry; b) institutional capacity building through strengthening the forestry component to the Designated National Authority (DNA); and c) training of forestry enterprises (Lezkhozes).
Total sequestration from the project is estimated at up to 0.9 Mt CO2e by 2017. The most likely course of land use in the absence of the reforestation project would be characterized by continued grazing, unregulated cuttings for fuelwood and timber, as well as improper establishment of new forests (plantations with low planting standards and low density). The principal barrier to A/R activities is related to investment and lack of capital. In the current situation, the financial capacity of the state forestry sector is very low. Only some basic costs of state forestry enterprises and natural parks are being covered. No financial resources are provided for reforestation itself. Leskhozes only engage in reforestation when their own resources allow it. Without initial investment, the appropriate technology, which covers planting material, machinery, irrigation, and plantation protection, cannot be implemented.
The project has significant additional environmental and social benefits. The project area is of particular significance as it is home to hundreds of endemic species, many on the red-list of endangered species. Forestry is of particular significance to the economy of Kyrgyzstan and for the sustainability of mountain ecosystems. Involvement of communities in the project and the purchase of a conservative amount of the Emission Reductions (ERs) estimated to be achieved by the project should address leakage concerns. Fires are a major threat to forest permanence; therefore fire management is part of project design. An early warning system and cooperation with research institutes on prevention should mitigate the risks of disease outbreaks.
The project developer is the State Agency for Environmental Protection and Forestry, with financing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The state agency has participated in a wide range of international mechanisms, programs and projects, such as reporting for the UNFCCC. The agency hosted the Central Asia Transboundary Biodiversity Project. The agency also has an important role in undertaking a carbon stock inventory of the Kyrgyz forests. A lot of the land will be under municipal control, so the municipalities themselves (called Aiylokmotu) will play an important role in project implementation. The carbon finance component of this project has helped to leverage additional funds for project implementation in the Kyrgyz Republic.
