Once regarded as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Now, water is strengthening local communities and encouraging cross-border cooperation, with Switzerland playing an important role.
Kadyr Usenov stands in front of the new drinking water reservoir being built in the municipality of Barskoon in eastern Kyrgyzstan.
Bruno Kaufmann
Once regarded as Central Asia’s “island of democracy”, Kyrgyzstan has seen that reputation fade in recent years. Now, water is strengthening local communities and encouraging cross-border cooperation, with Switzerland playing an important role.
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