KAFLU is introducing international systems of sustainable forest management and organic certification under the ARIS carbon sequestration project, with financial support from FAO

About the project

The Association of Forest and Land Users of Kyrgyzstan (KAFLU) is implementing a large-scale project to introduce international standards of sustainable forest management, including FSC or similar systems, as well as organic certification of forest and agricultural products and tourism activities. The work is being carried out under the project «Carbon sequestration through climate investments in the forests and pastures of the Kyrgyz Republic», implemented by the Community Development and Investment Agency of the Kyrgyz Republic (ARIS) with financial support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

Goals and expected impact

The project aims to introduce modern international approaches to the sustainable management of forest resources, biodiversity conservation, the rational use of non-timber forest products, and the development of organic production. Its implementation will increase the competitiveness of Kyrgyz products on the world market, strengthen the country’s export potential, support the development of a green economy, and create new opportunities for local communities involved in forestry and the processing of natural products.

Geography and certification goals

  • The Naryn, Jalal-Abad, and Osh regions.
  • Five forestry enterprises (leskhozes) and two state nature parks.
  • Preparation and certification of one pilot forestry enterprise to international sustainable forest management standards.
  • Support for ten enterprises in obtaining international organic certification of their products.
  • Enterprises engaged in the collection, processing, and sale of non-timber forest and agricultural products.

Main areas of work

  • Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the state of forestry, existing value chains, and the potential of non-timber forest products.
  • Analyze the current legal and regulatory framework and develop practical recommendations for its improvement.
  • Prepare regulatory documents, methodological guidelines, and standard operating procedures.
  • Create an internal control system (ICS), product traceability mechanisms, and forest resource monitoring tools.
  • Conduct specialized trainings, regional and national seminars, practical consultations, and other educational activities.
  • Develop a program for the development of non-timber forest products, a roadmap for scaling up international certification, and mechanisms for integrating certified products into national and international supply chains.

Capacity building

At least 150 representatives of forestry enterprises, businesses, and local communities will be trained in FSC and Organic requirements. The program will help establish a sustainable system for training specialists and further disseminating best practices in sustainable forest use.