Community Management of High-Alpine Grasslands in the Kyrgyz Republic: Social, Economic and Ecological Implications

Abstract

"This paper reviews a case of developing a local community association for management of high-altitude pastures in Kyrgyzstan. It examines drivers for formation of such organisation, benefits and challenges it faces with.

"In Kyrgyzstan where all pastures belong to state and there is weak land legislation, lack of knowledge on sustainable practices among land users, inequitable access to resources and not registered rights, maximisation of pasture use is in place, which leads to overexploitation of natural resources. Pasture users association established in Tolok village of Kyrgyzstan is a community based organisation which was formed to sustain natural resources of high-alpine grasslands in Tolok river basin. The paper reflects on concept and principles of this association, discusses its role and relationship with other institutions dealing with common-pool resources, future opportunities and threats."