Kyrgyzstan may be facing an environmental crisis as Issyk-Kul Lake, the nation’s so-called “pearl,” continues to shrink.

During a session of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament), MP Ulan Primov emphasized the urgent need for protective measures. The number of rivers feeding the lake has dropped from 80 to just 35 over the years, signaling a worrying trend, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

“If we don’t act now to preserve Issyk-Kul Lake and establish a dedicated agency, Kyrgyzstan could face a serious ecological disaster in the future,” Primov said.

Experts and officials are calling for immediate intervention to safeguard the lake, which is not only a national treasure but also a vital resource for tourism, biodiversity, and the local economy.