Environmental and Social Aspects

The Kambarata-1 HPP is committed to sustainable development, ensuring that environmental and social considerations are integrated into every phase of the project.

The project will involve the construction of a 261-meter-high concrete dam, which will create a long reservoir upriver along the gorge, with a length of 68 km and an area of 61.2 km².

Since July 2024, SMEC, an international consultant company, has been undertaking an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in line with Kyrgyz Republic’s regulations and international best practices. This ensures that the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment meets the expectations of a wide range of stakeholders.

Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report

The Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic published the draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report for the Kambarata-1 HPP Project on August 21, 2025. The publication of the draft ESIA report demonstrates the project’s commitment to international best practices and an open dialogue with all interested parties. This draft ESIA is a working version of the document that was prepared to seek feedback, questions, and suggestions.

The draft ESIA report was prepared by the internationally recognized consulting firm SMEC, in close cooperation with national and international experts. The process included comprehensive research, fieldwork, and extensive consultations with stakeholders, including local communities in the project area and national-level representatives.

The Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic held the second round of consultations at the local and national levels in October 2025, followed by international consultations in November 2025. These consultations involved a wide range of stakeholders, including communities in the project area, civil society organizations, and the general public.

In addition to these consultations, the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic accepted comments and suggestions on the draft ESIA until December 5, 2025, through various available channels, including WhatsApp, online feedback, email, and regular mail.

All comments and suggestions received have been recorded and will be carefully analyzed for incorporation into the updated version of the ESIA documents.

Presentations from international consultations on the draft ESIA

Download

Non-Technical Summary of draft ESIA

Stakeholder Engagement Plan & Grievance Redress Mechanism

Download

Livelihood Restoration and Resettlement Framework

Terms of Reference for LRRPs

Download

Commitment to Sustainability

The project is committed to addressing environmental and social risks through:

Responsible Design and Construction Management:

Using state-of-the-art design features and integrating mitigation measures as part of construction contracts.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Continuous engagement with local communities and stakeholders to ensure their concerns are addressed.

Grievance Mechanism:

An effective mechanism for handling complaints and feedback has been created. (More details at the link)

Capacity Building:

Strengthening the institutional capacity for environmental and social management.

Expert Panels:

Mobilizing panels of experts on environmental and social issues, as well as dam safety, to provide independent advice and guidance.

Consultations

In line with World Bank requirements and international good practice of consulting stakeholders meaningfully, two stages of initial consultations have taken place for the Environmental and Social Assessment. These consultations will inform further assessment and development of management measures for significant environmental and social issues as the study progresses. Summaries of past consultations can be found in the "Events" section of our website. Information on upcoming consultations can be found in the "News" section. We invite stakeholders to participate in consultations and provide feedback to help us achieve these goals.

Institutional Capacity

The Ministry of Energy (MoE) of the Kyrgyz Republic will lead the project implementation, supported by a dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) with environmental, social, and occupational health and safety specialists. The PMO will ensure compliance with environmental and social standards and manage the implementation of the ESMP, RPF, and other plans.

Environmental and Social Framework of the World Bank

More Information

Project Management Office

Address: Bishkek, Zhibek Zholu Ave, 326
E-mail: pmo.kambarata@gmail.com
Phone: +996 990 191 845

Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic

Address: Bishkek, Zhibek Zholu Ave, 326
Email: minenergo@mail.gov.kg
Phone: +996 312 670178

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Address: Astana, Kabanbay Batyr av. 19, Block A
Email: kence2@energo.gov.kz
Phone: +7 7172 786981

Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Address: Tashkent, st. Isticball, 21
Email: info@minenergy.uz

Phone: +998 71 2318118