Editing Geography of Kyrgyzstan (section)

===Land management===
[[File:E8184-Tamchy-mud-dam.jpg|thumb|Low-cost water management in [[Tamchy]], [[Issyk Kul Region]]]]
The most important problems in land use are soil erosion and salinization in improperly irrigated farmland.<ref name=":0" /> An estimated 60% of Kyrgyzstan's land is affected by topsoil loss, and 6% by salinization, both problems with more serious long-term than short-term effects.<ref name=":0" /> In 1994 the size of livestock herds averaged twice the carrying capacity of pasturage land, continuing the serious [[overgrazing]] problem and consequent soil erosion that began when the herds were at their peak in the late 1980s.<ref name=":0" /> Uncertain land tenure and overall financial insecurity have caused many private farmers to concentrate their capital in the traditional form—livestock—thus subjecting new land to the overgrazing problem.<ref name=":0" />

The inherent land shortage in Kyrgyzstan is exacerbated by the flooding of agricultural areas for hydroelectric projects.<ref name=":0" /> The creation of [[Toktogul]] Reservoir on the Naryn River, for example, involved the flooding of 130&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> of fertile land.<ref name=":0" /> Such projects have the additional effect of constricting downstream water supply; Toktogul deprives the lower reaches of the Syr Darya in Uzbekistan and the Aral Sea Basin of substantial amounts of water.<ref name=":0" /> Because the Naryn Basin, where many hydroelectric projects are located, is very active seismically, flooding is also a danger should a dam be broken by an earthquake.<ref name=":0" />

'''Environment - current issues:''' Nuclear waste left behind by the Soviet Union in many open-air pits in hazardous locations. [[Water pollution]]; many people get their water directly from contaminated streams and wells; as a result, water-borne diseases are prevalent; increasing [[soil salinity]] from faulty irrigation practices. Illegal hunting of very rare species such as the [[snow leopard]] and the [[Marco Polo sheep]].

'''Environment - international agreements:'''
<br />''party to:'' [[Air Pollution]], [[Biodiversity]], [[Desertification]], [[Hazardous Wastes]], Ozone Layer Protection, Wetlands