On May 21–23, 2026, the tourism forum “Development of Min-Kush Through Sustainable Tourism” was held in the village of Min-Kush, Dzhumgal District, Naryn Region. The event took place within the framework of the project “Stakeholder Engagement in Addressing Uranium Waste Issues – Phase III,” and was organized with the support of the European Union, the OSCE, the UNDP, and local self-government bodies.

During the forum, participants discussed the development of Min-Kush’s tourism potential—highlighting its history of uranium mining—the use of reclaimed uranium legacy sites for tourism purposes, and the integration of the area into regional and national tourist routes.

As part of the event, the Association of Mayors and Heads of Local Self-Governments (LSGs) of localities hosting uranium waste sites was established, bringing together representatives from eight such settlements in Kyrgyzstan. Ermek Kydyev, the Toraga (chairperson) of the Kun-Chygysh Ayylny Kenesh (local council), was elected as the Chairman of the Association. The functions of the Association’s Secretariat were assigned to the Aarhus Center in Osh.

Following the forum, the participants reaffirmed their readiness to further develop sustainable tourism and the association of mayors and heads of settlements as a tool for creating new economic opportunities, improving the living standards of the local population, and ensuring the sustainable development of mountainous areas.