Bio-diversity

Sook tract earlier used as a summer pasture, at the moment, especially in river-plane part is being used year-round. It resulted in pasture degradation and on some plots in complete disappearance of growth because need in fuel has grown. The main source of fuel is dried manure but firewood is needed for lighting furnaces. Every year 8-12 cubic metres of wood vegetation are destroyed. Cases of poaching became more frequent because of year-round staying of the population in the valley. The main purpose of the project is demonstration for population the opportunities of using natural resources of gorge without their destruction. It is expected that protected plot of wood and bush vegetation will be created operation of which will allow to get income comparable or exceeding the income from using the plot for pasture. In the course of project implementation it is expected to obtain the following results: Ecological -conservation and enlargement of habitat of vegetation species included into Red Data Book -rehabilitation of natural ecosystem of riverplain and near riverplain plots at the expense of stopping felling and cattle grazing -reducing cases of poaching by organizing patrol -using wood of fast-growing species of willow and poplar instead of cutting down wild growing trees and bushes part of which are included into Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan. Economic -collecting and processing of fruits of growing wild fruit trees and bushes will give additional income -using of renewable sources of energy (pico-hydroelectric power station) -duck farming and goose farming as an alternative to cattle farming Social and cultural New habits and rules more related with agriculture will be added to traditional ones that are related with keeping cattle. 1. Conducting training seminars and round tables for the local population. 2. Installation of micro hydroelectric power station (1-0,5 kwt) 3. Planting saplings. 4. Fencing the planting territory. 5. Purchasing ducks and goose for alternative livelihood. 6. Organizing community patrol 7. Establishing nursery forest species included into Red Book 8. Taking care for saplings and distribute lots among the local population 9. Information campaign 5 families of Kyzyl-Dobo and Mantish villages, members of the Public Association Sook-Jayloosu will be involved in the project implementation. The main project activity will take place on the right bank of river Sook (plot Burkut Uja) 7 km west of settlement Mantish. The main expected ecological and economic benefits of the project are: -reducing rate of destruction of endemic species and species included into Red Data Book of Kyrgyzstan part of which are endemics -support of alternative to cattle-breeding types of economy activities sparing riverplain and slope wood and bush vegetation

Kyrgyzstan