Bishkek, July 14, 2026. /Kabar/. The Ak Ilbirs EcoFest 2026 environmental festival, themed "Snow Leopard: Environmental Education – the Foundation for a Sustainable Future in Kyrgyzstan," was held in Shabdan village, Kemin district, Chui region.
According to the administration, the festival was organized by the Ilbirs – Zhashyl Muun Public Foundation, at the initiative of Taalaibek Mambetaliev, with the support of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyz Republic, and the Kemin district state administration.
The event was attended by Dinara Kemelova, Special Representative of the President of Kyrgyzstan for the Mountain Agenda; Eduard Kubatov, Director of the State Agency for Tourism Development; Antje Grawe, UN Resident Coordinator in Kyrgyz Republic; representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Technical Supervision; the Ministry of Science, Higher Education, and Innovation; public organizations; the scientific community; youth; folklore groups; and local residents.
Speaking at the festival opening, Dinara Kemelova noted that the presidential decree designating the snow leopard as the country's national symbol is an important indicator of the health of mountain ecosystems. She also spoke about the implementation of the Five Years of Action for Mountain Development for 2023-2027 and preparations for the Second Global Mountain Summit "Bishkek+25" (2027), one day of which will be dedicated to celebrating International Snow Leopard Day.
The festival included art zones, artisan exhibitions, master classes, competitions, and a cultural program aimed at promoting environmental awareness and respect for nature.
A maple tree planting event also took place in the Kemin district.