OSCE supports improvements to tourism infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan’s Batken province
BATKEN, Kyrgyzstan, 17 April 2014 – Improving the infrastructure for tourism in Kyrgyzstan’s southern province of Batken, including lowering the risk posed by natural disasters in the region, was the focus of an OSCE-supported international forum, which took place today.
The forum, organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and UNDP in co-operation with the Batken governor’s office, brought together Kyrgyz government officials, members of local and international business community, as well as representatives of international organizations and civil society. They discussed development of the tourism sector, and standardization of regulations and safety codes, among other topics.
A memorandum of understanding on improving infrastructure and reducing the threat posed by natural disasters was signed by the OSCE, GIZ (German Society for International Co-operation), UN World Food Programme, Batken province’s administration and Ministry of Emergency Situation in Batken province.
The initiative aims at contributing to the modernization of infrastructure, ensuring better preparedness against natural disasters, and strengthening food security in the province through effective flood defences and an awareness programme.
Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos said: “Batken is one of Kyrgyzstan’s regions most prone to natural disasters, which include mudflows, floods, and other extreme weather conditions. The most vulnerable to natural disasters is the rural, food insecure population.”,
“Our new joint initiative will protect 660 households, 10 schools and kindergartens, 9 water pipelines and irrigation system as well as several roads, bridges and a mosque from mudflows thus directly contributing to the well-being of local residents,” he added.
Under the project, 630 vulnerable persons from the area will be provided with temporary employment opportunities and 3,100 residents will be receiving food rations.
“The OSCE Centre in Bishkek is strongly committed to further assisting Kyrgyzstan and the country’s Batken region, in particular, in dealing with economic and environmental issues,” Ambassador Kapinos concluded.