Climate, Traditional Knowledge, and Local Communities: On March 11, a webinar titled “The Role of Local Communities and Traditional Knowledge in Strengthening Climate Resilience in Mountain Regions” was held within the framework of a project implemented by the ISUR Public Foundation together with the Climate Action Network Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (CAN EECCA). During the webinar, several findings from Aigine Cultural Research Center’s field studies were presented. The discussion focused on the links between climate change, traditional knowledge, and intangible cultural heritage, with examples from Batken, Naryn, and Issyk-Kul regions. In Batken, climate change is affecting traditional knowledge related to apricot cultivation. In Naryn, changes in pastures and the growing spread of livestock diseases are influencing pastoral practices and the transmission of herding knowledge. In Issyk-Kul, local interpretations of climate change were discussed in connection with people’s attitudes toward nature and sacred sites. The presentation also addressed traditional knowledge about water, including local classifications such as kok-suu, kashka-suu, ak-suu, and kara-suu, as well as the example of Köndük village, where sacred landscapes and traditional restrictions help shape respectful relations with nature. These studies show that local knowledge can complement scientific data and play an important role in climate adaptation in mountain regions.

From the Researcher’s Diary: Women’s Horse Tack in the Bride Farewell Tradition: Research on traditional Kyrgyz women’s horse tack used in the bride farewell ceremony is continuing in the village of Döñ-Bulak in Uzgen district, Osh region. During this stage of the work, particular attention was given to a silver kuyushkan carefully preserved by local craftsman Sultanmuratov Syrgak, who continues the ancestral tradition of metalwork. The kuyushkan is a part of horse tack that helps keep the saddle from sliding forward, especially on slopes. Its surfaces, known as koshundu, were often decorated with dense ornamental motifs such as chymyn kanat, zhyldyzcha, and baychechek. Some masters made these parts in six or eight sections, adding even greater beauty and complexity to the piece. Today, authentic traditional examples of such equipment are becoming increasingly rare. Even so, they remain valuable evidence of Kyrgyz craftsmanship, nomadic culture, and inherited knowledge. At the same time, the number of masters who continue making traditional horse tack is gradually declining.

Steps After the Retreat: New Directions and Working Meetings: On February 27–28, the Aigine team held a retreat dedicated to the organization’s future development and gathered many valuable ideas and suggestions from partners and colleagues. Since the beginning of March, these proposals have been carefully reviewed, and work has started on identifying practical directions and concrete next steps. As part of this process, on March 9 the team held an online meeting with sociologist and marketer Meerim Almazbekova, who studied at Paris Lodron University in Salzburg, Austria. The discussion focused on expanding public outreach and strengthening how Aigine’s work is presented to wider audiences. On March 10, another working meeting took place with craftsman and expert in Kyrgyz traditional crafts Doolot Rysbaev. The conversation explored possible income-generating events based on Aigine’s accumulated experience and materials, with the aim of supporting the organization’s cultural and research projects. Doolot also shared his experience in organizing craft festivals.