The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is extending a $56mn funding package to the Kyrgyz Republic aimed at enhancing wastewater management and promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism in the Issyk-Kul region, a renowned area of touristic appeal and ecological significance.
This funding includes a $25mn concessional loan and a $31mn grant from the Asian Development Fund (ADF), which is dedicated to assisting ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries.
The Issyk-Kul region is celebrated for its rich ecological, cultural, and biological diversity, with Issyk-Kul Lake being a primary attraction. Cholpon-Ata, a resort town, draws about 80% of tourists visiting the lake. However, the town’s aging wastewater network currently serves only about half of the population and excludes nearly a third of tourism facilities and resorts.
ADB's project aims to construct climate-resilient infrastructure, including a new wastewater treatment plant, pumping stations, and upgraded sewer systems that will service the main resorts, guesthouses, and residential and business areas in Cholpon-Ata. These initiatives are crucial for preserving the environmental integrity of Issyk-Kul Lake.
In addition, the project will enhance tourism infrastructure by building a museum and a tourism information center, conserving and improving a local archeological heritage site, creating bike trails and walking paths around the lake, upgrading three public parks, and improving access to green spaces. The project also includes support for local authorities in developing a climate-resilient tourism master plan for Cholpon-Ata.
“Economic growth can be driven by low-carbon tourism built on sound environmental practices and climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Yevgeniy Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia. “ADB’s project addresses critical challenges faced by Cholpon-Ata’s tourism industry. By integrating environmental improvements and wastewater investments with tourism infrastructure, we are helping shift the Kyrgyz Republic to a low-carbon growth trajectory.”
“The construction of climate-resilient wastewater infrastructure in Cholpon-Ata will reduce the risk of drought through the safe reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation and mitigate flood risks by managing stormwater overflows during heavy rainfalls,” Massimo Petrone, ADB Principal Urban Development Specialist, added.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and the Kyrgyz Republic, a cooperation that has spanned more than 217 projects and technical assistance in key economic sectors. Since joining ADB in 1994, the Kyrgyz Republic has received public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $2.6bn.
ADB remains committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 68 members, with 49 from the region.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)