The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has initiated a major project aimed at enhancing air quality in Kyrgyzstan, with a special focus on the capital city, Bishkek.
On August 20, Bishkek hosted the signing ceremony for the Record of Discussions between KOICA and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, marking the official start of the Air Quality Improvement Project in the Kyrgyz Republic, The Caspian Post reports, citing The Times of Central Asia.
The event was attended by Kim Kwang-jae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Kyrgyz Republic; Meder Mashiev, Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision; and Lim So Yeon, KOICA Country Director in Kyrgyzstan.
According to KOICA, the project will run through 2028 with a budget of $10 million. It aims to enhance Kyrgyzstan’s capacity to respond to climate change and improve urban air quality.
Air pollution is a persistent challenge in Bishkek, home to over one million residents. The situation worsens during winter when widespread coal use for heating sharply increases harmful emissions. Bishkek frequently ranks among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on IQAir’s global air quality index.
Key components of the project include:
Phased implementation of air pollution mitigation measures in Bishkek
Development of a “Comprehensive Air Quality Management Plan for 2028-2038”
Pilot introduction of green heating systems (heat pumps) in public educational institutions
The project plans to install heat pumps in approximately 30 schools and kindergartens in the Chui region, which includes Bishkek. This initiative is expected to benefit an estimated 2.3 million residents by creating a healthier and more comfortable environment.
At the launch event, Ambassador Kim highlighted the urgency of the initiative: “The issue of air quality is of particular concern in Bishkek, and it is important to address it. We look forward to the successful implementation of the project and continued collaboration with the Ministry.”
KOICA Country Director Lim added: “We hope these efforts will lead to tangible results in combating climate change and improving public health, serving as an important example of international cooperation.”
Minister Mashiev expressed gratitude to KOICA, which has operated in Kyrgyzstan for over a decade: “We highly value our cooperation with the government of the Republic of Korea and intend to continue developing our relations.”
South Korean involvement in environmental initiatives in Kyrgyzstan has expanded in recent months. Efforts include promoting eco-friendly transport and reducing emissions in major urban centers.
The Public-Private Partnership Center under the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan, together with OJSC Chakan HPP and South Korea’s BLUE NETWORKS CO., LTD., a company specializing in EV charging infrastructure, has agreed to establish a local manufacturing facility and roll out a nationwide EV charging network.
In June, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Economy and Commerce also signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korean firms EVSIS, NGS, and the Korea Automobile Environment Association to develop EV charging infrastructure in Bishkek.
