Japarov Warns of Issyk-Kul Lake's Fate, Calls for International Cooperation

President Sadyr Japarov's warning about Issyk-Kul Lake's fate was delivered at the inaugural Central Asia-Italy summit in Astana. The President highlighted the alarming decline in the lake's water level, dropping nearly 14 meters since 1854, and a drastic reduction in the number of rivers feeding it, from over 100 to just 30-35. "This is a serious warning sign of a potential catastrophe," Japarov stated, drawing parallels to the Aral Sea's ecological disaster. However, despite the grim prognosis, President Japarov underscored the need for international collaboration, specifically inviting Italian companies to participate in sustainable development projects focused on hydropower, renewable energy, and tourism in Kyrgyzstan's mountainous regions. This initiative signals a proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges while promoting economic growth.