From October 6 to 10, 2025, as part of the implementation of the Kambarata-1 Hydropower Project, the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic held the second round of consultations with local residents in four Ayil Aymaks: Atay (Toguz-Toro District), and Sary-Kamysh, Imanaliev, and Toluk (Toktogul District). About 300 people took part in the discussions.
The events were aimed at presenting and discussing the draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) materials. Participants included representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kambarata-1 HPP Project Management Office, local authorities, as well as specialists in social development, pasture management, environmental protection, biodiversity, and gender issues. The meetings enabled open dialogue with communities that may be affected by the HPP construction.
Residents raised questions about the possible loss of some pastureland due to reservoir impoundment, changes to livestock routes, and the need for effective livelihood restoration programs. Socio-economic aspects were also discussed, including job creation during construction, with a focus on prioritizing local hiring. In some settlements, residents asked for attention to be given to improving roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Women actively participated in the consultations, including in special sessions where they spoke about the impact of changes on household incomes and the importance of equal access to vocational training and employment under the project.
Participants were informed about the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and the available channels for submitting feedback: WhatsApp groups, the official website of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kambarata-1 project website (www.kambarata1.org), as well as a dedicated channel for confidential submissions. After the project is approved, dialogue with local residents will continue in accordance with the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).
All comments and suggestions received during the consultations will be systematized and taken into account in the finalization of the ESIA documents and the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).
The events were aimed at presenting and discussing the draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) materials. Participants included representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kambarata-1 HPP Project Management Office, local authorities, as well as specialists in social development, pasture management, environmental protection, biodiversity, and gender issues. The meetings enabled open dialogue with communities that may be affected by the HPP construction.
Residents raised questions about the possible loss of some pastureland due to reservoir impoundment, changes to livestock routes, and the need for effective livelihood restoration programs. Socio-economic aspects were also discussed, including job creation during construction, with a focus on prioritizing local hiring. In some settlements, residents asked for attention to be given to improving roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Women actively participated in the consultations, including in special sessions where they spoke about the impact of changes on household incomes and the importance of equal access to vocational training and employment under the project.
Participants were informed about the project’s Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) and the available channels for submitting feedback: WhatsApp groups, the official website of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kambarata-1 project website (www.kambarata1.org), as well as a dedicated channel for confidential submissions. After the project is approved, dialogue with local residents will continue in accordance with the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP).
All comments and suggestions received during the consultations will be systematized and taken into account in the finalization of the ESIA documents and the Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA).