BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, December 2. The World Bank (WB) has granted $50 million for the Kyrgyzstan Air Quality Improvement Project, Trend reports.
The project directly aims to improve air quality in Bishkek. It also serves the general public by developing a strong Air Quality Management System, with the goal of reducing the negative impact of pollution on health and economic growth.
It will improve Kyrgyzstan's ability to regulate air quality, with an emphasis on reducing PM2.5 emissions and greenhouse gas emissions. Improving air quality data collection, assisting households in adopting cleaner heating systems, and implementing urban greening strategies to minimize pollution are all important areas to focus on.
"By reducing air pollution, the country will not only improve its air quality, but it will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pivot towards a green economy," said Naveed Hassan Naqvi, World Bank Country Manager for Kyrgyzstan.
The funding comes from the International Development Association (IDA) as a zero-interest credit with a 50-year payback schedule and a ten-year grace period.
The main sources of air pollution in Kyrgyzstan's capital are coal-fired heating, automobile emissions, and dust blown in from outside the city.