OekoFlussPlan - Preservation of selected Ecosystem Services in the Riparian Areas of the Naryn River (Kyrgyzstan) using renewable Energy Technologies and Short Rotation Coppices, involving sustainable Land and Water Management and Capacity Building

The overall goal of ÖkoFlussPlan is to preserve the alluvial forests along the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan and to offer and implement sustainable solutions for the local population. For this purpose, the condition of the alluvial forests are being analysed in order to identify areas particularly worth protecting. 

In order to reduce utilisation pressure, alternatives are also being systematically developed for harvesting wood from alluvial forests. On the one hand, short rotational plantations (planting of fast-growing trees) will be established, which can be a substitute for the wood from the forests, and on the other, modern technologies for the production of renewable energies and the efficient use of energy will be applied. 

A close dialogue with the local people allows us to integrate local knowledge from the beginning on. Furthermore, the project is tied in with existing projects of the Kyrgyz authorities for forest conservation and efficient energy use in the rural communities. 

The training of young scientists in modern methods of environmental research fosters a long-term commitment and monitoring of the riparian forest development along the Naryn River.