OREANDA-NEWS. April 24, 2012. One hundred trees were planted  in Bishkek by the Green Foundation, a nonprofit organization that is going to be established by Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank, the Aga Khan Foundation, an agency  of the Aga Khan Development Network, and Public Broadcasting Corporation of the Kyrgyz Republic in cooperation with the City Hall of Bishkek.

The Green Foundation will be formed to help preserve and revitalize parks and gardens of the Kyrgyz Republic. It will aim to revive the spirit of the greenest city by supporting ecologically responsible growth.

“Responsible business practices are an integral part of KICB’s corporate philosophy.   Protecting the environment directly impacts the quality of life of citizens and complements the development of the tourism industry in the country. Through this initiative we hope not only to preserve an important asset but also encourage youth to build a stronger, healthier and re-energized Kyrgyz Republic,” said Mr. Kwang-Young Choi, CEO of Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank.

The trees were donated by Foundation members to the city and planted on Tynalieva Street (between Ahunbaeva and Suhomplinova Streets). The Event was also attended by the director of the housing and public utilities service of Bishkek – Mr. Nurbek Sydykov. According to him, in 2012, it is planned to plant twice more trees and flowers in Bishkek in comparison with 2011. “The City Hall will support all initiatives related to the planting trees,” - said Mr. Sydykov.

According to the General Director of Public Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Kubat Otorbaev, today`s planting ceremony is significant: “Bishkek has always been considered as a green city and special attention was paid to the protection of the eco system. The initiative of the Green Foundation members is important for Bishkek, its citizens and Djal district. Our Corporation will continue supporting KICB and Aga Khan Foundation in this project”. 

Shahid Punjani, CEO of Aga Khan Foundation said he is very proud to be involved in this important initiative: “The planting of trees today and the future activities of the Green Foundation are a good example of how the corporate sector, government agencies, and private foundations can work together for the social good”.

To encourage youth participation in the initiative, the Green Foundation also engaged members of the charity organization Hallelujah working to improve children’s welfare.  Olessya Pyjyanova, Director of Hallelujah, noted that children participating in the tree planting ceremony will have another vision on the environment and take better care of trees in future.

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. In Kyrgyzstan, AKF currently operates Osh and Naryn Oblasts where complementary interventions in education, health, and rural development converge in villages and are implemented in partnership with government authorities, community interest groups, and local civil society organizations.

Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB) with the charter capital of USD 7 mln. was created in 2001. Its main shareholders are international financial institutions (90%) and the Kyrgyz Republic (10%). Amongst international shareholders are the following: AKFED - 21%, Habib Bank Limited (HBL) - 18%, DEG , a member of KfW banking group - 17%, EBRD - 17%) and IFC, a member of the World Bank group - 17%. KfW is a cofounder of KICB and gives access to long-term financial resources.

Public Broadcasting Corporation of the Kyrgyz Republic was created in 2012. Today the First channel broadcasts all over the country and covers main political, economic, social and cultural issues.

The charity organization "Hallelujah" has been working with socially deprived families for already 10 years.

So far, "Hallelujah" has helped 1 401 children and 156 families focusing mainly on education, social protection and lobbying.