Kyrgyzstan: Enhancing Migrants’ Awareness on Air Pollution and Moving Towards a "Healthy City Vision" in Bishkek

Elements of Innovation

• Social Cohesion and Community Participation
• Awareness Raising and Communication
• Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction

What is the project about?

Air pollution in residential neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a public health emergency. At the same time, since the early 1990s, many internal migrants from various regions of the country have been moving to these areas in search of better living conditions. However, the accommodation in these areas are still inadequately connected to the city’s public infrastructure. These groups are significantly exposed to health risks related to air pollution – including heart disease, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.

This project address air pollution as a critical public health concern in Kyrgyzstan's urban areas, particularly affecting migrants. The project aims to enhance migrants' awareness of air pollution, its risks and impacts, while fostering their active participation in combatting pollution. It does so by empowering internal and international migrants with awareness on the issue, triggering community participation and engaging governmental stakeholders. The cr role of migrants in tackling this challenge is emphasized and facilitated through the involvement of migrant leaders in discussions on air pollution.

How is the project innovative?

The project introduces a groundbreaking approach to tackle the challenges posed by the combination of air pollution, climate change, and disaster risk reduction. By examining the impact of air pollution on migrants' health in urban settings, with a specific focus on women and children, the project establishes a critical precedent in understanding the role of migration vis-à-vis urban environmental risks.

The initiative promotes migrants' access to green infrastructure, community health initiatives, and integration into Bishkek’s Healthy City Vision. This strategy paves the way for innovative solutions in climate-resilient urban development. A platform has been established that empowers migrants to showcase health projects and engage in ongoing dialogues, facilitating participation in shaping new pathways towards sustainable urban health policies. This approach holds significant promise in triggering transformative behavioral shifts, shaping policies, and cultivating collaboration among stakeholders. By embracing this set of strategies, the project underscores its potential to tackle air pollution while fostering sustainable, community-driven solutions.