Issues of Secondary Use of Rangeland Resources in Kyrgyzstan

This article focuses on issues related to the use of rangeland resources for secondary purposes, which, as defined in Kyrgyz legislation, means a use for purposes other than grazing, and is based on research conducted by RDF to study the legislative framework and institutional changes aimed at providing equal access to rangelands and rangeland resources to all users. Rangeland resources play an important role for all rural residents, but they are critical for the most vulnerable social groups, as they constitute their source of income. The effected rangeland reforms and institutional changes aimed at transferring rangeland management to local authorities and users, both in law and in practice, do not take into account the rights of all range of users, thus adversely affecting the welfare of poor households and women. The lack of legal framework for the secondary use of rangelands leads to conflicts over the use and access to natural resources. Therefore, it is crucial to take into account the rights of all rangeland users and improve their access to the resources. Considering natural resources from the perspective of a single ecosystem, rather than each single resource, will mitigate conflicts in the use of natural resources, enhance the condition of rangelands and improve living standards of the rural population.