LocationsMin-Kush, Naryn region, Kyrgyz Republic — 25 May 2026 — On May 21-23, Government representatives, international organizations, tourism professionals, civil society organizations, and local communities gathered in Min-Kush village for the Touristic Forum “Development of Min-Kush Village through Sustainable Tourism – Revival of Forgotten Cities.”
Min-Kush Explores Sustainable Tourism and New Opportunities for Mountain Community Development
May 25, 2026
The forum served as a platform to discuss sustainable tourism, local economic development, and new opportunities for communities located near uranium legacy sites in the Kyrgyz Republic.
The event was organized by the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Naryn region, the Zhumgal State Administration, the Min-Kush local government, and NGO “Destination Min-Kush,” in cooperation with the State Agency for Tourism Development under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Kyrgyz Republic, with financial support from the European Union.
The forum was held within the framework of the regional project “Stakeholder Engagement for Uranium Legacy Remediation in Central Asia” (Phase III), jointly implemented by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and UNDP with the support of the European Union.
The three-day programme combined plenary discussions, thematic sessions, site visits, tourism route presentations, cultural activities, and visits to reclaimed uranium legacy sites and mountain tourism destinations in Min-Kush and surrounding areas.
"All the activities of this three-day event were organized to develop the tourism and sports potential of the Min-Kush rural area. We firmly believe that these initiatives will pave the way for the future development of Min-Kush and help transform it into a modern tourism hub,"- said Nurbek Satarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Naryn Region.
“Within this partnership, UNDP’s contribution focuses on supporting local communities living near uranium legacy sites. Our work is centered on people — on strengthening community participation, supporting local initiative, and helping residents identify practical ways to improve livelihoods and quality of life. One important element of UNDP’s work is grant support for local initiatives. Through this approach, communities, civil society organizations, women, youth, local groups, and small entrepreneurs can propose and implement practical ideas that respond to local priorities.”- Patrick Haverman, UNDP Kyrgyzstan Deputy Resident Representative.
Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic Rémi Duflot, remarked:
“This forum is a unique opportunity for Min-Kush to showcase its tourism potential, building on its natural endowments and its unique history as a Uranium Legacy Site. The EU will continue supporting the efforts undertaken by national and local authorities, in partnership with the EBRD, OSCE, and UNDP, to provide better opportunities for the populations residing near the ULS of Kyrgyzstan.”
“We look forward with optimism and continue exploring new initiatives to support towns and settlements with uranium legacy. Through strengthened co-operation and sustainable development efforts, we aim to help unlock local potential, create new opportunities, and support communities actively shaping the future of their towns and villages”.- Ambassador, Head of the OSCE Program Office in Bishkek Volker Frobarth
Founded in 1947 as a uranium mining settlement, Min-Kush today represents both a complex industrial legacy and emerging opportunities for sustainable local development. The village is currently undergoing rehabilitation efforts supported by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and international partners to address the environmental consequences of uranium mining.
Forum participants discussed how sustainable tourism can contribute to economic diversification, support local entrepreneurship, strengthen mountain livelihoods, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and create new opportunities for women and youth in remote regions.
UNDP also highlighted its grant support mechanism for local initiatives in communities located near uranium legacy sites. Through small grants, local civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth initiatives, artisans, and entrepreneurs are supported in implementing practical community-driven projects aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening environmental awareness, preserving local heritage, and encouraging local economic activity.
The forum agenda included discussions on the tourism potential of Min-Kush, infrastructure challenges, route development, and integration into broader tourism destinations across Naryn region. Participants also explored opportunities related to cultural, industrial, ecological, and adventure tourism.
An important component of the forum was the round table dedicated to strengthening cooperation between settlements located near uranium legacy sites. Participants discussed the development of the International and National Association of Settlements Located near Uranium Legacy Sites and reviewed founding documents and future cooperation mechanisms.
The forum contributes to the implementation of the Five-Year Action Plan for the Development of Mountain Regions for 2023–2027 and supports broader international efforts ahead of the Global Mountain Summit Bishkek+25.
UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to continuing cooperation with national and local partners, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, the European Union, civil society organizations, and local communities to promote inclusive, sustainable, and locally grounded development in mountain regions of the Kyrgyz Republic.
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