On August 25-26 and 28-29, 2025, another session of trainings on environmental and social safeguards took place in Issyk-Kul and Bishkek, organized by NBT Group as part of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) “Horticulture Value Chain Development Project”.

The training was led by Dr. Madina Khalmirzaeva, CEO of NBT Group and an international expert in the field of ecology, environmental protection, and social issues.

The event was part of a comprehensive program for the implementation of international sustainable development standards in the financial and public sectors of Kyrgyzstan. The training was attended by over 60 employees of “Aiyl Bank” OJSC from four regions of the Kyrgyz Republic—one of the country’s leading financial institutions—as well as representatives of the Ministry of Water Resources and Processing Industry.

The main goal of the training was to increase the level of understanding and practical application of environmental and social safeguards provided for by the ADB’s Safeguard Policy. Attention was paid to risk management in the implementation of agricultural sector projects, which typically have an impact on the environment and local communities.

Infrastructure development in Central Asia is associated with a high level of environmental and social risks. In the absence of effective regulatory mechanisms, such projects can lead to significant negative consequences for vulnerable segments of the population.

The ADB’s policy is aimed at minimizing these risks through a comprehensive approach—from early diagnosis of possible consequences to regular monitoring and reporting. These requirements are summarized in a document specifically developed for Aiyl Bank—the Environmental and Social Management System, applied to the “Horticulture Value Chain Development” project.

The training program included discussions on:

• Key principles of ADB’s Safeguard Policy and requirements of national legislation

• Requirements of the Environmental and Social Management System

• Monitoring, reporting, and grievance redress mechanisms

For NBT Group, this project has confirmed the company’s growing role as a key conduit for international knowledge and practices in Central Asia. The company’s consulting and educational activities form the foundation for the region’s long-term sustainable development, creating conditions for integration into global standards.