Green Economy for People and Environment

This project was completed in 2023.

The agricultural sector has served as an economic growth engine for Kyrgyzstan in recent decades, along with strong growth in the tourism industry. Given the significant impact of agriculture and tourism, through inefficient irrigation methods or intensive road and air transport, there is a growing awareness of the need to shift to sustainable development models that have less negative impact on the environment, natural resources, and the livelihoods of the local population.

For this reason, the Kyrgyz government has introduced the National Sustainable Green Economy Program. The Green Economy Program outlines strategies to improve environmental policies through strategic planning for sustainable economic development.

With this project, Helvetas, together with its partner organization AFC (Agriculture and Finance Consultants), supports the Kyrgyz government's goal of improving employment and income by introducing environmentally friendly and more efficient economic practices that are sustainable in the long term and therefore contribute to improved living conditions for all. The project places particular emphasis on the tourism, livestock, and fruit and vegetable sectors, as they have high employment potential and are part of the national export plan.

Through a holistic economic approach that addresses the macro, meso, and micro levels, the project accompanies local MSMEs in southern Kyrgyzstan in developing long-term business prospects and sustainable agricultural pastoralism, provides access to new and innovative services, and mobilizes incentives for the private sector to shift to green and sustainable production practices.

In order to achieve the goal of sustainable development, environmental issues such as resource efficiency, climate protection, food safety and waste management are brought to the attention of the public. In addition to the introduction of green economic practices, this should simultaneously raise awareness of the benefits of using environmentally friendly products and services and thereby change the mindset of the local community.

The GEDPSD project also contributes to a social and inclusive society by promoting long-term employment opportunities for men and women, and especially for people with disabilities and of ethnic origin.  

AFC, as consortium leader, contributes with its sectoral experience in agriculture and rural development. Helvetas complements with its long experience in the development of the Kyrgyz tourism sector and a large partner network in Central Asia.