As part of a pilot project planned for launch in 2027, Kyrgyzstan will change its water protection zone standards for tourism facilities. Eduard Kubatov, Director of the State Agency for Tourism Development under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, said the minimum distance from rivers for such structures will be reduced from 75 meters to 25 meters.
Conditions and Implications for Developers
The new rules will apply only to structures built from light-frame materials. At the same time, a key condition for siting will be the presence of their own sewerage system and on-site wastewater treatment facilities sized to the volume of wastewater.
The problem of water protection zone restrictions has already been raised by meeting participants. One participant noted that a 4.5 million som investment in a tourism project ran into restrictions related to the water protection zone. According to him, similar problems arise elsewhere in Talas region, including Besh-Tash and the Manas-Ordo complex.
Support for the Initiative
President Sadyr Japarov supported the initiative, emphasizing that the problem is relevant not only for Talas region but for the development of tourism in the country as a whole.
Key Points
- The pilot project launches in 2027
- The zone is reduced from 75 to 25 meters
- The permit applies only to light-frame structures
- On-site wastewater treatment facilities are mandatory
These changes are aimed at developing the tourism industry while complying with environmental requirements.
- Talas region
- Aitmatov district
- Manas district
Context
Information about the reduction of the water protection zone was announced by Eduard Kubatov during a meeting between President Sadyr Japarov and residents of Aitmatov and Manas districts of Talas region.
