Kyrgyzstan

Strengthening capacity for national implementation of chemicals and waste related international agreements

Building Blocks of Change: Kyrgyzstan's Path to Effective Waste Governance

The Challenge

Kyrgyzstan is a signatory to multiple international environmental agreements on chemicals and waste management. However, implementation and enforcement of laws and regulations remained a challenge for years after the country signed and ratified these agreements. One reason was the low number of personnel with adequate training in chemical and waste management. Coordination across the different stakeholders was also sparse. 

There was no specific chemical or waste management policy or plan being implemented, and no legal framework in place that integrated international agreements into national legislation. 

The Project

The government of Kyrgyzstan partnered with the UNEP Special Programme to support the country’s relevant institution in effectively managing chemicals and waste. This project spanned 3 years, from 2017 to 2020. The focus areas were on establishing a robust coordination mechanism and assisting with the implementation of two action plans. At the higher level, the project helped the relevant institutions strengthen and implement laws and regulations, and supported them to meet their reporting requirements under the Stockholm and Basel Conventions on chemical management.

The Impact

Kyrgyzstan is better equipped to manage hazardous chemicals and waste now. Under the project, intensive training sessions across 12 government institutions were held on the sound management of chemicals and waste. Prior to the project, only staff within the Agency of Environment Protection and Forestry had the expertise. As part of the training workshops, the project covered topics such as the illegal trafficking of chemicals and synergies between international agreements on chemical safety, among others. The wider public also benefitted from awareness raising programs, with over 1,500 people receiving summary reports, infographics, articles, and other communications materials.

Coordination has also improved tremendously with more frequent meetings between government and non-government bodies and a knowledge exchange platform in place. The meetings have led to the development of multiple action plans and legal acts on improving the management of chemicals. 

The Kyrgyz Republic also has more comprehensive national legislation now, which complies with international environmental agreements. Certain chemicals and pesticides have been banned since 2019. Producers of chemicals and waste are, by law, highly responsible for the consequences of their production. The legislation and regulations currently being implemented account for the public health of the people of Kyrgyzstan being improved.

Independent Assessment

Independent Assessment of the Closed Project under the Special Programme Report (December 2022): Kyrgyzstan

Project Story

2018 - UN Environment helps Kyrgyzstan to detox