“Implementation of Kyrgyzstan’s Forest Policy through an Information Campaign to Engage Communities in Joint Forest Management (2006-2007)”:
Project goal:
The goal of this project was to promote and implement forest policy in Kyrgyzstan through the participation and informing of local communities and official bodies about the importance of joint forest-resource management.
Main steps and activities:
1. Information campaign: the project began with the organization of an information campaign aimed at educating and drawing the attention of employees of regional forestry administrations, forest enterprises, and representatives of local communities to joint forest management.
2. Package of information materials: as part of the project, a package of information materials was developed and published, including brochures, leaflets, posters, and other information and training tools. These materials were used for distribution in local communities.
3. Conducting trainings: the project provided for six trainings in various local communities located in zones where floodplain, spruce, and nut-fruit forests grow. At these trainings, participants received training and practical skills in joint forest management.
4. Dissemination of information: information materials and knowledge gained at the trainings were actively disseminated in local communities to raise the overall level of understanding and awareness of the importance of joint forest management.
5. Areas of implementation: the project covered several regions of the country, including the Naryn, Issyk-Kul, and Jalal-Abad regions, where various types of forest resources were present.
Project results:
— Awareness of the importance of joint forest management among forestry-sector workers, local communities, and official bodies.
— Dissemination of information and education of local communities about forest resources and their importance for sustainable development.
— Practical skills and knowledge gained by training participants helped ensure more effective management and protection of forests in the regions covered by the project.
This project was of key importance in promoting compliance with and implementation of forest policy in Kyrgyzstan, as well as in increasing the involvement of local communities in joint forest management and the conservation of forest resources.
