Switzerland supports the Kyrgyz Republic in building disaster risk resilience of vulnerable communities

The two modern workshops with automated systems and quality assurance processes will enable the country to produce required gabion nets to strengthen slopes, protect riverbeds and banks and be used for other disaster prevention measures. Previously, these gabion nets were produced by hand and were mainly imported.

Due to the mountainous terrain and the geological structure of the Kyrgyz Republic -mudflows and floods are a common occurrence in the country. Mudflow and flood damage affect settlements and farmlands, and damage transportation and irrigation facilities.

“The Government of Switzerland will continue to support vulnerable communities prone to natural disasters. We are proud to provide the Ministry of Emergency Situations the resources to prevent and mitigate the effects of climate change and build a systemic approach in managing hazards, such as droughts, mudslides and floods,” said the Ambassador of Switzerland to the Kyrgyz Republic, His Excellency Olivier Bangerter.

Additionally, WFP has improved the digital disaster monitoring and early warning systems of the Ministry of Emergency Situations by providing the necessary software and IT equipment. The information technology infrastructure for disaster monitoring and early warning systems will significantly enhance the ability of MES to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable populations and ultimately reduce the impact of extreme climate on food and nutrition security.

“We thank the Government of Switzerland for this timely contribution and its commitment in supporting vulnerable communities in rural and mountainous areas. WFP will continue to closely work with the Government at all levels, to facilitate the shift from disaster response to disaster risk management and allow sustainable and transformative changes among vulnerable rural communities affected by climate change,” said WFP Country Director in the Kyrgyz Republic, Kojiro Nakai.

In January 2023, the Government of Switzerland contributed over US$9.2 million to WFP to build the resilience of the most vulnerable rural communities against climate change and disaster risks. Planned activities, such as micro-insurance schemes to protect vulnerable households against climate risks, will cover areas prone to disasters.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.