Son-Kul Pasture Degradation. Overgrazing.
The high-altitude pastures of Son Kol are located near Lake Son Kol and cover an area of 108,000 hectares. These pastures are ancient and primarily serve the local population of 100,000 through livestock farming, which constitutes 70% of agricultural income. Currently, the practice of land use is leading to an increase in the degradation of land resources due to overgrazing, with the spread of non-food grasses, and an annual decline in productivity of 2.5%. It has been found that, for example, due to degradation and irrational use of pastures at Son Kol, the state loses about $250,000 a year, and over ten years — $2 million.
The people are dissatisfied. Shepherds from two districts are unable to find a compromise regarding livestock grazing. “The issue of land degradation and desertification at Son Kol is a pressing problem that poses a threat not only to the ecosystem but also negatively affects the living standards of the population and economic development, for instance, in tourism. Currently, people ignore this for their own benefit. At this rate, in 5 years, the situation for the residents of this area will be dire,” says Rakhmat Sabirbekov. Positive changes in the management of pastures near Lake Son Kol could bring, according to researchers, $19.2 million over 10 years. Conversely, Kyrgyzstan will lose just as many millions of dollars in the coming decade if it does not start saving the pasture right now.
The main cause of the acute ecological situation in Kyrgyzstan is overgrazing, which involves not only a large number of livestock but also a change in the system of pasture use, which has become year-round. As a result, pasture degradation is observed, and the processes of replacing annual fodder grasses with weeds are intensifying. The negative consequences of overgrazing include desertification, soil erosion, deforestation, degradation of plant and animal wealth, a decrease in livestock productivity, and ultimately, a decline in food security for humans.
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