Kyrgyzstan

It is a scenic Central Asian country of 6 million people with a rich nomadic history. Its high mountain pastures are a land of “milk and honey.” For centuries they were watered by streams of the Tia​n Shan mountains. But in two decades rapidly melting glaciers here will reach a tipping point, severely impacting the water supply for both people and agriculture. Air and water pollution, caused by rapid growth and unregulated mining, are also threatening the population’s health. But a new generation of young civic activists is fighting to insure a better future.    

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​Bishkek ​Smog

Air quality in Bishkek can be hazardous to your health in winter. Coal fired power plants and stoves, plus choking traffic jams of mini-buses and cars, all contribute to the toxic smog. Unregulated high rise construction and the cutting down of trees have blocked fresh air from freely circulating downtown. Civil activists say it’s time for the city to clean up its act. ​

Film by Bermet Borubaeva & Iskender Aliev. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Kyrgyztan's Pastures of Plenty​​

Half of Kyrgyzstan is covered by highland pastures which are labeled a “national treasure." But the overgrazing of ​the fields closest to villages, and their desiccation and erosion, is degrading this precious resource​.

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The Flying Horse

Half of Kyrgyzstan's pastures are degraded, even though livestock and animal husbandry are critical for the country's well being. Can the revival of a small herd of traditional Kyrgyz horses lead to a better future? Mirbek, who studies and breeds Kyrgyz horses has devoted his life to making this dream possible. ​

Film by Aybek Baiymbetov & Jamilia Jeenbaeva​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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