Eco Park project

Creation of new green areas, Maintenance and management of urban nature, Ecological restoration of ecosystems

The Elm Grove of Bishkek is unique and is the biggest and oldest urban forest in Central Asia. It was planted back in 1881 by the first students of the Agrarian Institute and became the biggest green area in Central Asia with nearly 123 hectares, Karagachevaya Rocha, which has park status, is in fact the largest forest in Bishkek and a unique arboretum in Kyrgyzstan. There are about twenty different species of trees including the famous "karagach" (elm) from which it takes its name. The objectives of this intervention are: 1. To trigger a positive and lasting dynamic preservation of green spaces in Bishkek and the conservation of endangered animal species in Kyrgyzstan, through genuine education in respect for the environment and the development of research, particularly in the field of sustainable development. 2. To contribute to the air purification of the city is outstanding as it serves as a biotic pump, developing a microclimate in Bishkek. 3. To have a beneficial influence on the climate of Bishkek by regulating the humidity of the air. 4. To provide a response to the serious problem of the degradation of green spaces in the city of Bishkek and therefore the deterioration of the quality of life in the Kyrgyz capital, thus helping to restore the city's status as a green city. 5. To provide ecosystem rehabilitation of the elm tree. Protection of the forest within the grounds of the park and the tree species it concentrates, including several species of elms such as Ulmus androssowii, Ulmus densa, Ulmus laevis, Ulmus pumila arborea but also Manchurian ash, hornbeam, almond trees, rowans, oaks, maples, plane trees, birches, an endemic species of sycamore, species of pines including Pinus mongolian scotch and Pinus pinaster, various species of poplars and others; includes also animals in the region. (1,3,4)

The EcoParc project started in 2010 in two phases: a field study was first carried out with almost 2,800 inhabitants of Bishkek, in order to better identify the problems of the parks and the expectations of users, then concrete development proposals were put forward. Since 2011 and until today, the project has not stopped evolving by enriching itself with various opinions from experts, scientists, citizens and partners of the project, both local and foreign, with the aim of implementing protection sustainability of green spaces in Bishkek. In 2019 the project received a grant from the Climate Fund program of the German Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Activists removed 200 tons of garbage from the park and planted 600 trees. To date, about 10,000 trees have been protected. Numerous activities and courses for the students are organized there. Several students also conduct research in connection with the EcoPark for their undergraduate thesis. (1,3,4,5)

• Local government/Municipality
• Public sector institution (e.g. school or hospital)
• Non-government organisation/Civil Society
• Researchers/University
• Citizens or community groups