KYRGYZ PARLIAMENT APPROVED THE ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC

15 January 2009 deputies of the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) approved the Environmental Code of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The draft law was presented by one of its initiators, a deputy O.M. Artykbaev, who in his speech said that the draft law had been developed not only by the deputies of Jogorku Kenesh and government bodies, but also involved non-governmental organizations, local authorities and independent experts.

“The adoption of the Environmental Code will help to systematize the law on environmental protection, exercise comprehensive legal environmental regulation between nature users and the state, monitor the quality of natural resources, improve the state controlling system of natural resources, as well as to meet the obligations arising from international conventions and agreements. But most importantly, this draft law will ensure the priority of environmental issues in the development of our country which, of course, will contribute to its sustainable development”, he added.

Concluding his speech O.M Artykbaev said: “In general, the novelty of Environmental Code lies in its harmonization with international instruments, introduction of rules that encourage development of energy-saving, low-waste and cleaner technologies. For the first time the rule of environmental insurance is introduced to ensure the protection of insurance of life, health and property interests of the population, as well as the norms of environmental audits to ensure environmental safety and identify the ways to reduce the risk of adverse effects on the environment".

"We are confident that adoption of the Environmental Code of the Kyrgyz Republic will set a legal framework for development of environmental protection and environmental safety of the republic”, added.

The presentation was followed by a lively discussion of the draft law, where deputies expressed their views on the issue. Thus, MP A.M Salymbekov told that the relevant committee of the Jogorku Kenesh have carefully considered the document and made the necessary adjustments. He also noted the need for raising the deputies awareness of local and global environmental problems on constant basis, for example by showing such films as “An Inconvenient Truth” by Albert Gore. The deputy Niyazalieva D. , in her turn, noted that Environmental Code would bring significant changes into the environmental protection system, as an alternative to command approaches, the old system of rationing, the priority penalties should be replaced by effective economic mechanisms in order to stimulate the introduction of new environmentally sound technologies and preventive measures against environmental violation”.

By adopting the Environment Code, the MPs also supported the draft law of the JK “On Introduction of the Environmental Code of the Kyrgyz Republic”. In accordance with it the Environmental Code comes into effect from 1 March 2009, making the Law “On Environmental Protection” of 16 June 1999 ineffective.

Source: CARNet, 16.01.2009

WORLD BANK OFFICE IN KYRGYZSTAN ANNOUNCES CALL FOR PROPOSALS AMONG NGO

The World Bank Office in the Kyrgyz Republic announces a call for proposals among NGO in the country for small grants under the Civil Society Fund Program (former Small Grants Program ).

The purpose of the Program is to support socio-economic development of society. This program should facilitate positive changes in one or several of the following areas:

• Human resources development;
• Social mobilization and consolidation of society;
• Development of local communities.

Preferences will be given to projects aimed at activating the youth in decision-making, integration of persons with disabilities and children from the risk group into normal society.

The maximum amount of a grant is 5 thousand USD. The Small Grants Program prefers that its grants help leverage additional contributions from other sources. Applicant organizations are asked to describe how a grant from the World Bank might help them to raise matching funds from other donors. The project grant activity should be completed within a year after approval of the project.

Applications are accepted only from non-governmental organizations having legal registration.

Starting from January 15, 2009 WB provides consultations on the application procedures on the following address: Moskowskaya Str. 214 (corner of Kalyk Akieva Str.), Bishkek, Office of the World Bank.

Deadline - 17.00, Friday, 27 February 2009.

Source: World Bank, 16.01.2009

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN WEST KAZAKHSTAN REGION INCREASED BY 21%

The output of agricultural products in West Kazakhstan region increased by 21% last year; Kazinform refers to the regional akimat. This is the highest index over the last years. Farmers of the region harvested 1.7 times more grain than in 2007. The state plan on grain supply was overfulfilled, 12 tons were purchased by the Stabilization Fund. This allowed not to raise prices for bread until next harvest. There can also be observed the growth in cattle breeding. The cattle stock increased: meat production grew by 3.5%, dairy products – by 1.7% and eggs – by 0.1%.

G. Yeraly

Source: KAZINFORM, 16.01.2009