Democratic Governance
August 1-5 – Training for media on legal and professional aspects of covering the upcoming presidential elections took place in Bishkek, Jalal-Abad and Osh. Journalists were trained to identify key issues in covering the electoral process and develop solutions. The training combined theory and practical exercises with involvement of not only media trainers, but also lawyers, CEC members and press service. More than 80 people from national and regional media outlets participated in the training. The initiative was supported by UNDP Kyrgyz Elections Support Project funded by the EU and the German Government, in partnership with the CEC, Internews Network Representative Office and the International Foundation for Election System (IFES). Learn more from Meder Dastanbekov, KESP Project Coordinator ( md@dgov.undp.kg).
August 1-5 – The final seminar of the Summer School of Democracy (SSD) took place in Issyk-Kul. During 5 days 39 selected youths had the opportunity to learn, ask questions and exchange opinions with experts from Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Estonia, Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. They discussed issues of geopolitics, economy, mass media, civil society, environment, etc. Moreover participants developed 20 project ideas and 7 of them are to be funded by the Youth Action Fund of the Open Society Foundation. SSD 2011 has been initiated by USAID/IYF Kyrgyzstan Youth Project and supported by the UNDP Democratic Governance Program’s Youth Project, UNDP Kyrgyz Republic Election Support Project, Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan Youth Program and the Institute for Civic Education in partnership with the EU-UNDP Legal Reform Project. KyrgyzTelecom was an official partner providing access to internet. Learn more from Nazira Satyvaldiyeva, Youth Program Coordinator ( Nazira@youth.undp.kg).
August 2011 – Series of public hearings were organized in seven provinces of the country to discuss the concept of the National Youth Policy 2015. Around 250 representatives of youth organizations, local NGOs, youth committees and regional departments of Ministry of Youth Affairs attended the hearings and proposed amendments and recommendations on the concept. All recommendations and comments have been given to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and to the members of the working group on youth policy concept. Mr. Alexander Avanessov, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative to the Kyrgyz Republic participated at one of the meetings along with youth delegates from each province to discuss and develop general recommendations on the concept of state youth policy. The events were supported by the UN Youth project and the Soros Foundation Kyrgyzstan. Learn more from Ms. Nazira Satyvaldiyeva, Youth Program Coordinator ( Nazira@youth.undp.kg).
August 6 – The Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in conjunction with UNDP Democratic Governance Programme announced a contest among journalists and bloggers for the best media coverage of Public Advisory Councils. The following nominations were identified – best series of newspaper articles, best series of online articles, best series of TV programmes, best series of radio programmes, best series of blog posts. The winner of each nomination will be awarded a netbook. Deadline for submissions is October 14. Learn more from Ainura Kaparova, Capacity Development Facility Project Coordinator (ak@dgov.undp.kg)
August 12 – In the city of Osh, a pilot Youth Media Project, aimed at strengthening interethnic peace and tolerance launched the first issue of the 32-page newspaper called “Biz My Biz”. Some 30 youngsters of different age and ethnic backgrounds received a three-week print media workshop course and, in collaboration with local and international media trainers, produced articles in their respective languages - Kyrgyz, Russian, Uzbek. The newspaper, with total circulation of 40,000 copies, was then distributed free of charge in various public locations in Osh – markets, streets, city parks, schools and universities—by Youth of Osh NGO. All articles are available at the project’s website – www.bmb.kg. The project is implemented as part of DGP’s Capacity Development Facility Project. Learn more from Dinara Akmatbekova, Public Information Capacity Building Project Coordinator (da@dgov.undp.kg).
August 24 – The third discussion forum “ABC of Kyrgyz Sovereignty” took place in Bishkek with the support of UNDP Democratic Governance Programme. The forum, organized by a group of civil activists, featured prominent Kyrgyz media and business experts, as well as representatives of academia, public sector and youth movements, who analyzed achievements and failures of twenty years of Kyrgyzstan’s independence and shared their views and ideas for the country’s future. The event was broadcast on MIR TV channel. Learn more from Dinara Akmatbekova, Public Information Capacity Building Project Coordinator (da@dgov.undp.kg)ListenDictionary
Disaster Risk Management and Environmental Protection
31 July 7 August – A group of experts from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea paid a seven-day visit to Kyrgyzstan to study the country’s experience on promotion and use of renewable energy sources implemented under the UNDP projects. The main goal of the visit was to learn how to ensure reliable energy supply with the help of RES, such as small HPP, biogas equipments, as well as energy efficiency of buildings in rural areas. During the tour the experts visited currently functioning small HPPs, met with stakeholders and learned about UNDP/GEF “Small Hydro Power Development” project’s experience in cooperating with government institutions and local communities. The study tour was organized by the GEF/UNDP “Small Hydro Power Development” project in Kyrgyzstan and “UNDP Sustainable Rural Energy Development (SRED) Programme”. Learn more from Edilbek Bogombaev, Project Manager (e.bogombaev@shp.elcat.kg).
August 2– Representatives of the National Platform Secretariat, ministries and international organizations met to discuss preparedness to emergency situation in terms of warehouses for stocks of humanitarian aid and possibility to establish joint warehouse on stocks with international and local partners. During the meeting, WFP and other UN agencies in Kyrgyzstan presented their experience in maintaining and managing warehouses and the standards they follow, while the Ministry made a presentation on the rules and standards it follows in storing medicine and other goods.
MES also presented its project to create a “joint warehouse” in Osh. The meeting participants made several recommendations as to how to improve the content of the project proposal. The meeting was organized by the Sixth DIPECHO Action Plan: Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Capacities in CA in cooperation with the National Platform Secretariat. Learm more from Meerim Taabaldieva ( mta@dm.undp.kg).
2-12 August – An international trainer conducted 2 day Needs Assessment and SPHERE Project trainings and 2 day Desk and Field Simulation Exercises for Possible Earthquake in Kyrgyzstan were conducted for the members of North and South REACT teams. The Needs Assessment and SPHERE Project training course was designed to raise awareness of the project and its principles as well as to increase understanding of the importance and purpose of needs assessment in the humanitarian response. Head of the DRCU, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Kyrgyzstan Alexander Avanessov participated in the desk simulation exercise in the North of the country, in Leninskoe village. The field simulations tested disaster response tools, procedures and methodologies. After the exercises participants made comments and came up with recommendations on increasing effectiveness of further work. These events were organized by the Sixth DIPECHO Action Plan: Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Capacities in Central Asia. Learm more from Meerim Taabaldiev ( mta@dm.undp.kg)
August 10 – Fry of endangered endemic fish species – issyk-kul marinka (65000) and issyk-kul naked osman (35 000) - were released into Issyk-Kul Lake. Artificial reproduction of endemic fish is important as they are on the brink of extinction today. For the last two years GEF/UNDP project has been working in this area, but this activitie was implemented in cooperation with FAO, which brought additional resources and expert potential. Due to the cooperation the projects synchronized their activity plans: they hold joint workshops, streamline strategic documents such as “Recommendations for Improvement of Fishery Management”. In the nearest future they are planning to jointly conduct a comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) of fish nursery farms. Learn more from Azat Alamanov, Project Manager (a.alamanov@up.elcat.kg)
August 10 – The first stone of the first ever in Kyrgyzstan experimental energy efficient school for 850 students was laid in Ak Tilek microdistrict of Osh. The school building was designed in accordance with new construction norms developed under the GEF/UNDP Improving Energy Efficiency Project, which entered into force since January 2010. According to the chief engineer of the project Gennadiy Kasiev, the energy efficient building of this school will save more than 700 thousand kWt/h annually and pay off in 8.8 years. The construction norms were developed with consideration of energy efficiency issues and will save energy needed for heating, lighting, ventilation and air cooling to create comfortable conditions for study, work and living. Solar batteries installed on the roof of the school building will supply hot water for canteen, toilets and shower areas of the gym. The project document was developed under the project for the funds provided by the Global Environment Fund (GEF). Learn more from Elena Rodina, Project Manager ( e.rodina@up.elcat.kg)
August 11 – UNDP/GEF “Small Hydropower Development” Project handed over to the Directorate of Small and Medium Energy Development Project under the KR Government geodetic survey equipments as technical assistance. Not a single construction can be started without prior geodetic survey of the areaя, on accuracy of which depend durability and strength of small HPP constructions. Small hydropower development is one of the priority areas through which the KR Government intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure sustainable energy supply of the country. Learn more from Edilbek Bogombaev, Project Manager (e.bogombaev@shp.elcat.kg).
11-12 August– Local MPs and leaseholders of forest plantations of Kok-Moinok rural district, total of 40 people, participated in a capacity building workshop. Participants learned about legal framework and principles of community-based forest management, best practices in this sphere and the role of CFM Committees in this process. Participants also discussed consideration of applications for leasing, distribution of lands according to certain criteria and simulated a tender for land lease. The workshop covered potential conflict situations in lease relations and ways to solve them. The workshop was organized by PF Lesik-South with support of UNDP Environment Programme within “Rehabilitation of Riparian Forests of Kyrgyzstan” project. Learn more from Aleksandr Temirbekov, Environment Programme Manager (a.temirbekov@up.elcat.kg).
August 12 - Mitigation activities completed in 21 mountain communities of Chui, Naryn and Issyk-Kul provinces. They were organized by UNDP DRMP and "Food for Work" programme of WFP. Key partners were pilot communities of a UNDP project that developed mitigation proposal, based on knowledge acquired during training on disaster risk management. Specialists of District departments of MoES KR and services of Civil Protection Teams helped develop and implement the projects. Besides the pilot villages, members of forestry of Issyk-Kul province also participated in the mitigation activities. In total, 40 sites were restored (drainage systems, irrigation channels, bridges etc.). Total of 4768 people participated; they received total of 294.3 tons of flour and 27.6 tons of vegetable oil. The number of beneficiaries is more than 20 thousand people. Learm more from Enver Suerkulov, Regional coordinator ( es@dm.undp.kg).
August 16-18 – Pradeep Sharma, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, visited Naryn province learn about outcomes and perspectives of implementing the UNDP Disaster Risk Management programme in the province. During the visit he visited 11 completed mitigation sites and 4 planned ones. Also met members of Rural Rescue Teams (RRT) and Civil Protection Team from 4 aiyl districts of Naryn and Kochkor districts. They informed about methods of elaboration of risk maps, detection of potentially dangerous zones, providing first aid, early warning system and other significant activities within disaster risk management. Participants of the meetings also told about mitigation activities within Food for Work programme implemented together with UN WFP. During the period of 2010 until August 2011 participants of mitigation activities from different districts received 178 tons of food products in total. Learm more from Enver Suerkulov, Regional coordinator ( es@dm.undp.kg)
17-18 August – Members of DRCU and REACT teams in Kyrgyzstan participated in a Training of Trainers Workshop within the 2nd phase of the Joint Project ‘Enhancing Coordination for Disaster Response in the Kyrgyz Republic’ to learn about know-how and improve practical skills necessary to design, lead and evaluate training workshops related to the Sphere Project, humanitarian needs assessment and disaster risk management issues at large. Its major goals were to provide the participants with the opportunity to acquire and practice skills in facilitating training programs and to enhance their abilities to design training sessions.
Upon completing the courses, a core team of certified trainers within DRCU and REACT was established. The training was organized by the Sixth DIPECHO Action Plan: Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Capacities in Central Asia . Learn more from Meerim Taabaldiev ( mta@dm.undp.kg).
23 August – Representatives of the Chui province and Bishkek hospitals, KR Ministry of Healthcare, WHO, National Platform Secretariat and DRCU participated in a training of hospital teams to organize medical service for Civil Protection in healthcare facilities. Participants learned about the evaluation tools of WHO “Index of safe hospitals” and procedures of developing action plans to organize the medical service of civil protection of healthcare facilities. The trainers of the KR Association of Hospitals told the participants about evaluation procedure and briefed on entering data correctly to calculate safety level. The working group of the Ministry of Healthcare developed recommendations on organizing medical services of Civil protection in in-patient treatment. Participants also discussed functional objectives, division of responsibilities, staffing and management of various subdivisions. The trainings was organized in the framework of the Sixth DIPECHO Action Plan: Enhancing Disaster Risk Reduction Capacities in Central Asia. Learm more from Meerim Taabaldiev ( mta@dm.undp.kg).
August 23-26 – Alexander Avanessov, UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyzstan, visited Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces. During his trip in Jalal-Abad he observed exercises on response to emergency situations in Kyzyl-Tuu Ayil Okmotu, Suzak district, which were organized in cooperation with territorial subdivisions of MoES KR and District Committee for Civil Protection. Alexander Avanessov also met with the Governor of Jalal-Abad province – Aziz Tursunbaev. Mr. Avanessov also learned about the work of the UNDP DRMP in Japalak village of Osh province. He visited a strategic object for the village – a pedestrian bridge, which was reconstructed last year after being destroyed by mudslide. Villagers welcomed Alexandr Avanessov and expressed their gratitude for support their initiative to reconstruct the bridge. Learm more from Taalai Ergeshov (t.ergeshov@dm.undp.kg) and Saykbay Subanov ( s_subanov@osh.undp.kg).
August 24-25 – Keneshbek Sainazarov, Manager of UNDP DRMP visited Batken province. In Pulgon, Kadamjay district, he visited the district hospital, inspected several buildings affected by the earthquakes in July and also inspected Orozbekov elementary school building which is in poor condition after the earthquake. He alsomet with heads of villages, experts and activists of various districts, head of province MoES department and the head of the Batken district administration. During the meetings, participants discussed problems with removing consequences of mudslides and the earthquakes in Leylek, Kadamjai and Batken districts. They also discussed challenges and achievements in disaster risk management in 2008-2011 as well as conducting exercise in pilot LSGs in collaboration with MoES KR. Learn more from Akylbek Shadymanov, Regional coordinator ( a_shadymanov@batken.undp.kg).
August 25 – UNDP/GEF Small Hydropower Development Project organized a round table on “The Issues of Regulatory Framework Development for Small HPP and RES” in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Directorate of Small and Medium Energy Development Project . The project presented results of the project work on finalization of legal and regulatory acts in RES area and discussed them with experts of ministries, NGOs, civil society organizations and private sector. Participants were particularly interested in the practice of existing small HPP, which have become a bright illustration as they are removing existing barriers and suggesting risks reduction tools. Learn more from Edilbek Bogombaev, Project Manager (e.bogombaev@shp.elcat.kg).
August 26-28 – Upon request of the Committee of Jogorku Kenesh on land, water resources, environment and regional development, UNDP/GEF project on Multi-Country capacity building provided technical assistance in developing recommendations for the law “On Pastures”. Also, the project assisted the committee in conducting a meeting on to discuss the recommendations to the law “On pastures”, draft law “On Hunting” and the Integrated Financial Strategy in the field of sustainable land management. Learn more from Gulmira Torokulova, National Coordinator of the project (g.torokulova@up.elcat.kg).
July 23 – The UNV Team and local Kyrgyz youth organized a five-day campaign titled “Youth Volunteerism and Environmental Sustainability” devoted to the 10th anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers and towards achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG). It was aimed at promoting responsible citizenship among youth and ensuring environmental justice through environmentally responsible activities such as clean-up of “Djetty Oguz” gorge, located 30 km west of Karakol city and caring for neglected or under cared animals at the Karakol Zoo. Learn more from UNV Country Office in KR (rm@undp.kg or nm@undp.kg).
Socio-Economic Development
August 6 – A number of social objects were restored and renovated within the “Rehabilitation of the social infrastructure through creation of temporary employment for unqualified labor in Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces” project. 69 social infrastructural objects in Osh and Osh province (kindergartens, public schools, water networks, channels, roads etc.) were restored and renovated for the total amount of 25, 477, 168 KGS. In Jalal-Abad city and province, 23 infrastructural objects were restored for the total grant amout of 9, 693, 555 KGS. Total of 1992 persons from socially vulnerable groups participated in the renovation works. The project is funded by the Soros Foundation. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager, (md@prp.undp.kg).
August 17-19 – 20 consultants from consulting and marketing centers of a number of villages in Osh province and 64 beginning businessmen participated in the Start Your Business training. They learned about peculiarities of doing modern business, simple accounting, marketing and production planning. The training was organized within the “Support to quick impact socio-economic recovery initiatives of affected and vulnerable rural communities in Osh and Djalal-Abad cities” project, funded by Polish Government. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager, (md@prp.undp.kg).
August 19 – Alexander Avanessov, UNDP Resident Representative in Kyrgyzstan, met with beneficiaries of the UNDP Poverty Reduction Programme in Osh province. Beneficiaries of a number of restoration and reconciliation projects funded by Polish Government, Russian Government and Soros Foundation discussed Mr. Avanessov their current issues and ways of solving them. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
On August 23 – UNDP Programme “Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the Kyrgyz Republic”, UNAIDS and UNFPA assisted in organizing a meeting of the Jalal-Abad province multi-sectoral coordinating committee on AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. Deputy heads of rayon administrations, representatives of Jalal-Abad city mayor’s office, territorial departments of education and healthcare organizations, law enforcement agencies, prosecutor’s office as well as civil society discussed improvements in regional response to HIV, coordination mechanisms, human resource capacities and addressing gender dimensions of HIV infection. The meeting was chaired by deputy governor of the province – Ms J. Egemberdieva. Learn more from Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator (is@aids.gov.kg).
August 23 – Within peace building project Grant appraisal committee met in Osh to review 40 grant proposals to start a small business submitted by graduates of vocational and business courses organized within the project. The meeting was also attended by key Project partners: representatives of ministries, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP PRP and NGOs. The committee approved 11 project proposals for the total amount of $39, 000. Learn more from Suyun Aydarov, project coordinator (suyun@prp.undp.kg).
August 23 – KR Ministry of Youth Affairs, UNDP HIV Programme and German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) continue the ACT RESPONSIBLY! HIV & AIDS social campaign. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness among young people of Kyrgyzstan about (1) HIV-infection, (2) reproductive health, (3) drug use and (4) stigma and discrimination. The campaign is conducted through educational institutions, media and youth social networks all over the Kyrgyzstan (www.jashtar.kg) until December 2011. Learn more from Larisa Bashmakova, programme manager a.i. (l.bashmakova@aids.gov.kg)
August 24 – UNDP Programme “Support to the Government to Respond to HIV in the Kyrgyz Republic”, UNAIDS, WHO and UNFPA provided technical and financial assistance in developing draft State programme on HIV for 2012-2016. The document was based on analysis of HIV situation and current response to it, STIs, drug addiction, as well as assessments and evaluations of the international experts. The draft State Programme was handed to the KR Ministry of Healthcare for consideration. Learn more from Larisa Bashmakova, programme manager a.i. (l.bashmakova@aids.gov.kg).
August 26 – UNDP Programme "Support to the Government to Respond to HIV" and UNAIDS organized a round table discussion of legal expertise results of the drafts laws in the area of HIV, drug addiction and patenting of drugs. Representatives of the Jogorku Kenesh, KR Ministry of Justice and NGOs took part in this event. The expertise was conducted upon request of the Parliament Committee on Healthcare, Social Policy, Labor and Migration. As a result of the meeting, participants made suggestions to improve the laws to be prepared for submission to Jogorku Kenesh for further approval. Learn more from Ilim Sadykov, Legislation Component Coordinator (is@aids.gov.kg).
August – In Djalal-Abad, 95 small businesses received rehabilitation grant support for the total amount of 5 617 150 KGS. As a result, these businesses plan to employ 260 more persons. The grant support is provided within the “Support to restoration of local business environment” project funded by the Russian Government. Learn more from Mira Djangaracheva, Programme Manager (md@prp.undp.kg).
Regional Cooperation
19 August 2011 – EU-UNDP Border Management in Central Asia (BOMCA) Programme organized a meeting of the National Coordination Centre (NCC) on development and introduction of the Integrated Border Management (IBM) system. Participants of the meeting, representatives of different government agencies and ministries, analyzed and selected projects related to introduction and implementation of IBM. NCC is responsible for drafting the strategy of effective implementation of state policies in border management and coordination of all key agencies, state committees, local government bodies and civil society. The EU-UNDP BOMCA provides technical back-up of the Centre’s activities. Learn more from Asel Sekimova, Communication Specialist (asel.sekimova@bomca.eu).
