Bishkek, Feb. 5, 2026 /Kabar/. Since the mid-19th century, the water level in Issyk-Kul Lake has dropped by almost 14 meters, and the total volume has decreased by approximately 85 billion cubic meters, Bakyt Torobaev, head of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Kyrgyz Republic, speaking at the Sustainable Impact Forum during the World Summit of Governments in Dubai, according to the ministry's press service.
According to him, the number of rivers flowing into the lake has also significantly decreased, due to melting glaciers, changing hydrological regimes, and increased water consumption.
He emphasized that Issyk-Kul is a unique ecosystem of regional significance and a vital socio-economic and natural resource for the Kyrgyz Republic, and its continued decline could have serious environmental and socio-economic consequences, including threats to biodiversity, tourism potential, and the well-being of the region's population.
The minister noted that preserving Issyk-Kul should be part of the global climate and water agenda. He called on the international community to expand partnerships in sustainable water resource management, integrate climate, water, and ecosystem issues, and support joint projects to preserve unique natural sites.
Kyrgyzstan confirmed its readiness to be a reliable partner in protecting aquatic ecosystems and shaping a sustainable water future.