Kyrgyz-German Research Institute remains intact after unrest

The building of the CAIAG-Institut in Bischkek in the Republik of Kirgisia

13.04.2010 | Potsdam: The Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (ZAIAG), founded by the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, survived the serious unrest and looting in Bishkek comparably unblemished. “All that was damaged was a door during marauder attempts to enter the building on the night of the conflicts” reports Bolot Moldobekov, the Kyrgyz Co-Director of the institute. Together with the other male employees at ZAIAG he stood guard for several nights, protecting the institute against looting and destruction.

Thus, the ZAIAG was able to retain its functionality as a central partner for current ongoing research projects of German scientists in the areas of water, earthquake and climatic investigations in Central Asia. Since 2008 the German Foreign Office in Berlin, in particular, has been supporting cross-border regional investigations in the water sector. The research network “CAWa” supports the States of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan with the construction of a data network and a common water policy. Since the independence of these former Soviet Republics 19 years ago conflicts have existed with regard to water use and water distribution, which could, with respect to climate change, worsen in future.
The Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences since its foundation in 1992 carries out scientific work in Central Asia.
Further Info:
ZAIAG
CASCADE