The OSCE Centre in Bishkek aims at addressing weak governance and the unequal distribution and improper use of scarce resources such as water and land which contributes to tensions, particularly in the south of the country.

Key Governance/Economic Activities

• Capacity building for local self-governance bodies in re- or declassification of land (business, agriculture or for construction purposes), provision of legal expertise in land disputes, collection of utility fees (gas, electricity, water), cooperation with Water User Associations, and conflict prevention.  Coordination of activities of the international community under the umbrella of the Development Partners’ Coordination Council (DPCC).

• Capacity Development for Water User Associations in the fields of accountable, transparent and effective water management, ways to deal with water disputes, water-saving irrigation techniques and coordination with other stakeholders.

• Anti-Corruption projects: Telephone hotline at Manas Airport and Ak-Jol border crossing point (continuation), capacity building for border security forces and awareness raising.

• Initiation of discussions about the nexus between governance, conflict prevention and investment: Open meetings to debate Corporate Social Responsibility in the mining sector, impediments to small-scale cross-border trade in the south and other related topics.

Key Environmental Activities

• “Water Task Forces” at schools in the south: Monitor water quality in school neighbourhoods, inform the public and the local authorities about problems, small grants to local authorities to address problems.

• Education in integrated water resource management: Countrywide inclusion into university curricula.