UNECE: Environmental Performance Reviews: Kyrgyzstan

This is the second EPR of Kyrgyzstan published by UNECE. The report takes stock of the progress made by Kyrgyzstan in the management of its environment since the country was first reviewed in 2000. It assesses the implementation of the recommendations in the first review (Annex I). It also covers nine issues of importance to Kyrgyzstan concerning policymaking, planning and implementation, the financing of environmental policies and projects, and the integration of environmental concerns into economic sectors, in particular water management, land management and biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of forests. The report places particular emphasis on the promotion of sustainable development, as the country gives a high priority to this issue.

The Environmental Performance Review Programme is considered an important instrument for countries with economies in transition. The second round, while taking stock of the progress made since the first cycle of reviews, puts particular emphasis on implementation, integration, financing and the socio-economic interface with the environment. Through the peer review process, EPRs also promote dialogue among UNECE member countries and harmonization of environmental conditions and policies throughout the region. As it is a voluntary exercise, an EPR is undertaken only at the request of the country concerned.

The main outcome of the EPR is the recommendations, which were elaborated by the Expert Group, peer reviewed, discussed with a high-level delegation from Kyrgyzstan and adopted by the UNECE Committee on Environmental Policy on 29 January 2009. The report in the two languages (English and Russian) has been launched in November 2009.

Source: UNECE