CABAR.ASIA
Will the Green Technology Save
the Pamirs’ Unique Ecosystem?
The role of energy efficient technologies is increasing in the fight against environmental degradation in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) of Tajikistan
Authors: Iftikhor Mirshakar and Khushbakht Zaydullo
Authors: Iftikhor Mirshakar and Khushbakht Zaydullo
The cold-temperate climate, high level of poverty and high costs of energy sources force the residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) of Tajikistan to burn a large amount of firewood to heat their houses. As a result, it affects the forest resources of GBAO. The local experts believe the development of green technologies in this high-mountainous and remote region could improve the situation.
Harsh Winter, Poverty and High Fuel Prices
GBAO, better known globally as ‘The Pamirs’, has a harsher and colder climate than other regions of Tajikistan. Here, the winter season lasts from 5 to 8 months in different districts, and the air temperature in January drops to -50 degrees Celsius in some places.
The Pamirs, 97% of which territory is mountainous, is one of the poorest regions in Tajikistan.
Harsh Winter, Poverty and High Fuel Prices
GBAO, better known globally as ‘The Pamirs’, has a harsher and colder climate than other regions of Tajikistan. Here, the winter season lasts from 5 to 8 months in different districts, and the air temperature in January drops to -50 degrees Celsius in some places.
The Pamirs, 97% of which territory is mountainous, is one of the poorest regions in Tajikistan.
According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in the Pamirs is around 30%.
The average monthly wage in this region is 1,302 somoni ($115),
and the minimum wage is 400 somoni ($35).
The average monthly wage in this region is 1,302 somoni ($115),
and the minimum wage is 400 somoni ($35).
In Tajikistan, the average wage is 1,478 somoni (about $130).
In GBAO, heating houses requires a large amount of fuel: coal, firewood and dry dung fuel. Local residents spend a lot of time and money on collection or purchase of fuel. One ton of coal in GBAO costs from 1,800 to 2,000 somoni ($159-177), a cubic meter of wood costs over 100 somoni (about $9).
In GBAO, heating houses requires a large amount of fuel: coal, firewood and dry dung fuel. Local residents spend a lot of time and money on collection or purchase of fuel. One ton of coal in GBAO costs from 1,800 to 2,000 somoni ($159-177), a cubic meter of wood costs over 100 somoni (about $9).
Khorugh – the administrative centre of GBAO
The Highest Electricity Prices in the Poorest Region of Tajikistan
In winter, the demand for electricity increases sharply. However, many residents cannot afford to heat their homes with electrical appliances. They simply do not have enough money to pay their electricity bills.
In winter, the demand for electricity increases sharply. However, many residents cannot afford to heat their homes with electrical appliances. They simply do not have enough money to pay their electricity bills.
The electricity price in GBAO is the highest in Tajikistan – about 31 dirams
(2.75 cents) per kWh.
(2.75 cents) per kWh.
According to the concession agreement, the private company “Pamir Energy” sets electricity tariffs taking into account the US dollar exchange rate. The company explains this by the fact that Pamir Energy Company makes most of its payments, including payments on loans and purchases of imported equipment, in US dollars.
Thus, the increase in US dollar/somoni exchange rate leads to an increase in the electricity price in the region. After the signing of the agreement in December 2002, the exchange rate has increased from 3 to 11.3 somoni.
In recent years, Pamir Energy Company consistently provides the region with electricity. However, during the 2020-2021 winter, the freezing temperatures and a decrease in the water level in theGunt River led to the limitation to electricity supply to the population, especially in the districts of GBAO.
Due to the lack of electricity and the high cost of coal during the 2020-2021 winter season, local residents began using even more firewood compared to previous years – from the forests and gardens.
Thus, the increase in US dollar/somoni exchange rate leads to an increase in the electricity price in the region. After the signing of the agreement in December 2002, the exchange rate has increased from 3 to 11.3 somoni.
In recent years, Pamir Energy Company consistently provides the region with electricity. However, during the 2020-2021 winter, the freezing temperatures and a decrease in the water level in theGunt River led to the limitation to electricity supply to the population, especially in the districts of GBAO.
Due to the lack of electricity and the high cost of coal during the 2020-2021 winter season, local residents began using even more firewood compared to previous years – from the forests and gardens.
People harvesting firewood in a forest in GBAO
During winter in GBAO, per month, an average of 1,500 kW of electricity is needed to heat a residential house (about 470 somoni - $41), or one ton of coal (1,800 somoni - $159) and one cubic meter of firewood (more than 100 somoni – about $9). For the winter season, the electricity for heating one house costs on average up to 2,350 somoni ($207), coal and firewood – up to 9,000 somoni ($796). Most GBAO residents are not able to pay so much to heat their homes.
Energy Efficient Technologies Contribute to the Well-Being of
GBAO Residents
According to Rustam Zevarshoev, Director of the Zindagi cooperative in the city of Khorugh, local residents use a lot of firewood to heat their houses because their houses are not thermally insulated. He believes that one of the most effective ways to save energy is to insulate houses.
Energy Efficient Technologies Contribute to the Well-Being of
GBAO Residents
According to Rustam Zevarshoev, Director of the Zindagi cooperative in the city of Khorugh, local residents use a lot of firewood to heat their houses because their houses are not thermally insulated. He believes that one of the most effective ways to save energy is to insulate houses.
Rustam Zevarshoev
Zindagi cooperative promotes the methods of efficient use of energy resources and energy-saving technologies among the GBAO population.
In particular, the cooperative distributes energy efficient stoves for cooking and heating houses, solar water heaters, and assists in insulating the houses.
Today, it is the only company in the Pamirs producing energy efficient products.
In particular, the cooperative distributes energy efficient stoves for cooking and heating houses, solar water heaters, and assists in insulating the houses.
Today, it is the only company in the Pamirs producing energy efficient products.
Energy efficient products exhibited in Khorugh
According to Zevarshoev, most houses in GBAO are poorly insulated, which leads to high consumption of fuel and electricity. In winter, the air temperature in such houses is below +15 degrees Celsius. Zevarshoev believes that thermal insulation is a good investment, as people spend money first, but save it later by reducing fuel consumption.
“Thermal insulation of a house is an investment in the future. By insulating houses, local residents will be able to save money they spend on fuel and thus, improve their living conditions. This is how we can break the vicious circle of poverty that appears from the high energy consumption.”
Rustam Zevarshoev
Rustam Zevarshoev
Local workers producing energy efficient windows and doors
In 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the demand for the cooperative’s products decreased. However, in general, the demand increases in recent years, especially for windows, doors and stoves.
“We are planning to employ more skilled workers and expand the production of energy efficient products. Our plans also include the introduction of green technologies in GBAO and other regions of Tajikistan. To achieve this, we cooperate with a number of companies from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to exchange knowledge and experience.”
Rustam Zevarshoev
Rustam Zevarshoev
According to Zevarshoev, Zindagi cooperative intends to share its experience in the production and distribution of energy efficient technologies with producers from Afghanistan, and negotiations in this direction are currently ongoing. He believes that only a comprehensive thermal insulation can have a good effect.
“Those houses, where the windows, doors, the floor, ceiling and walls are insulated, are much warmer in winter. The owners of such houses save up to 30% of the family budget on fuel and electricity. In particular, they cut down less trees for firewood in the gardens or forests.”
Rustam Zevarshoev
Rustam Zevarshoev
Not all CBAO residents have enough funds to insulate their houses or purchase energy efficient products. Therefore, according to the Director of the Micro-Loan Organisation “Madina va Hamkoron” in Khorugh Nasim Rahmatshoev, the Organisation provides ‘green’ loans to the GBAO residents for these purposes.
Starting from 2009, “Madina va Hamkoron” issued loans to 385 families from different GBAO districts for 1 million 34 thousand somoni (more than $91.5 thousand) for thermal insulation of houses and purchase of energy efficient products.
Nasim Rahmatshoev
The local residents, in addition to thermal insulation of their houses, also purchased energy-saving stoves, solar water heaters and other products with these funds.
According to Rahmatshoev, the demand for ‘green’ loans in GBAO is very high, but due to the limited financial resources, MLO “Madina va Hamkoron” is not yet able to meet the demand.
Thermal Insulation of Houses Contributes to the Conservation of
Natural Resources of the Pamirs
According to a Specialist on Joint Forest Management at the “CAMP Tabiat”Public Foundation Haqrizo Nurmamadov, to solve the problem of natural resources degradation, it is very important to develop energy efficient and innovative technologies in GBAO. In particular, this is thermal insulation of houses, use of energy-saving stoves for heating rooms and cooking, installation of solar water heaters, etc.
Natural Resources of the Pamirs
According to a Specialist on Joint Forest Management at the “CAMP Tabiat”Public Foundation Haqrizo Nurmamadov, to solve the problem of natural resources degradation, it is very important to develop energy efficient and innovative technologies in GBAO. In particular, this is thermal insulation of houses, use of energy-saving stoves for heating rooms and cooking, installation of solar water heaters, etc.
Haqrizo Nurmamadov (left)
Nurmamadov believes that the development of green technologies can lead to a decrease in the use of firewood and, accordingly, contribute to the conservation of forests and gardens. In addition, people will burn less coal in insulated houses, which will help reduce environmental pollution.
In addition, thermal insulation of houses contributes to increase in crop yields, as people will use dry dung as fertiliser on their land plots, rather than burning it as fuel.
In addition, thermal insulation of houses contributes to increase in crop yields, as people will use dry dung as fertiliser on their land plots, rather than burning it as fuel.
Logged land
As Nurmamadov notes, the widespread introduction of green technologies in the region can also have a positive effect on reducing the impact of the climate change, both for people and for environment. In addition, the potential for adaptation of local residents to climate change will increase.
According to Nurmamadov, theforest resources in GBAO are drastically affected. For example, in Ishkoshim district, the population of which is over 32 thousand people, about 25 thousand cubic meters of wood are annually used as firewood and for other needs. In this district, the forests occupy 2,039 hectares.
According to Nurmamadov, theforest resources in GBAO are drastically affected. For example, in Ishkoshim district, the population of which is over 32 thousand people, about 25 thousand cubic meters of wood are annually used as firewood and for other needs. In this district, the forests occupy 2,039 hectares.
Planting of trees on a degraded forest land in Ishkoshim
“Even if the thermal insulation of houses reduces the need for firewood by one third, it will be a good result,” Nurmamadov said.
According to him, to reduce the pressure on forests, it is necessary to use the region’s geothermal sources, as well as solar energy, to heat houses in GBAO. Electricity and coal are expensive, and burning coal leads to carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
According to him, to reduce the pressure on forests, it is necessary to use the region’s geothermal sources, as well as solar energy, to heat houses in GBAO. Electricity and coal are expensive, and burning coal leads to carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
“Poverty is the main factor in the degradation of natural resources in the Pamirs. Lacking sufficient funds to purchase coal or pay electricity bills, many poor residents are forced to illegally cut down forests to survive during the long and cold Pamir winter.”
Haqrizo Nurmamadov
Haqrizo Nurmamadov
According to Hakim Anvarov, a forest plantation specialist at theState Forestry Agency of GBAO, the situation of forests improved significantly compared to the 1990s. The international organisations made a great contribution to the restoration of forest lands in the region.
The Joint Forest Management (JFM) approach introduced by GIZ has contributed to the restoration of forests in the region. Within the framework of the project, the State Forestry Agency of GBAO provided forest lands to local residents for long-term use on the basis of contracts. For example, in Ishkoshim district, almost 90% of the forest land is provided to local forest users.
“Thus, the local residents began restoring forests themselves,” Anvarov said. “The forest users provide a part of the harvested products to the Forestry Agency, and keep another part for themselves. This approach has greatly improved the results of forest restoration.”
The Joint Forest Management (JFM) approach introduced by GIZ has contributed to the restoration of forests in the region. Within the framework of the project, the State Forestry Agency of GBAO provided forest lands to local residents for long-term use on the basis of contracts. For example, in Ishkoshim district, almost 90% of the forest land is provided to local forest users.
“Thus, the local residents began restoring forests themselves,” Anvarov said. “The forest users provide a part of the harvested products to the Forestry Agency, and keep another part for themselves. This approach has greatly improved the results of forest restoration.”
Restored forest in Roshtkala district of GBAO
The forest area in GBAO is over 10 thousand hectares. According to Anvarov, from 40 to 50 hectares of forests are restored annually.
“People use less firewood now,” Anvarov says. “Earlier, we harvested up to 1200 cubic meters of firewood per year, and now – up to 600 cubic meters. In 2020, 90 hectares of forests were restored and 10 hectares of forest areas were cultivated.”
According to Anvarov, today, local residents know more about the benefits and advantages of energy efficient technologies.
“People use less firewood now,” Anvarov says. “Earlier, we harvested up to 1200 cubic meters of firewood per year, and now – up to 600 cubic meters. In 2020, 90 hectares of forests were restored and 10 hectares of forest areas were cultivated.”
According to Anvarov, today, local residents know more about the benefits and advantages of energy efficient technologies.
“In many villages, people insulate their houses using energy efficient technologies. It helps to preserve the region’s forest resources. One of the reasons for the improvement of the situation of forests is that many local residents harvest less firewood to heat their homes.”
Hakim Anvarov
Hakim Anvarov
Insulated House: Benefits for People and Environment
Many local residents realise that by insulating their houses, they not only save the family budget, but also contribute to the preservation and development of the natural resources of GBAO.
Many local residents realise that by insulating their houses, they not only save the family budget, but also contribute to the preservation and development of the natural resources of GBAO.
Khusrav Zevarshoev
Khusrav Zevarshoev and his family live in Khorugh. He insulated his new house using both innovative and traditional building materials. He installed energy efficient wooden windows and doors made by local workers, and insulated the walls of the house.
Zevarshoev made the energy-saving stove for heating the house himself. The stove uses little firewood and coal, but produces enough heat. The family cooks food and boils water on this stove.
Zevarshoev made the energy-saving stove for heating the house himself. The stove uses little firewood and coal, but produces enough heat. The family cooks food and boils water on this stove.
“Our insulated house is warm and cosy. Previously, we lived in another house and spent a lot of firewood for heating. In the new house, our costs have dropped significantly.”
Khusrav Zevarshoev
Khusrav Zevarshoev
Khusrav Zevarshoev and Khosiyat Soqieva
According to Khosiyat Soqieva, Zevarshoev’s wife, their family uses little electricity to heat the house. Previously, they lived in an uninsulated house with four rooms, and heated only one room, while the rest were very cold. Due to a lack of money, this family could not afford to use several electric heaters.
“Our expenses on heating are much lower than of those people living in uninsulated houses. Thus, we save the family budget, and the children feel comfortable, which is very important.”
“Our expenses on heating are much lower than of those people living in uninsulated houses. Thus, we save the family budget, and the children feel comfortable, which is very important.”
“Unfortunately, in our region, people burn a lot of firewood to heat their homes. Therefore, they cut down the forests and even the gardens. Meanwhile, fruits could become a good source of income for villagers. Insulation of houses helps to save the family budget and preserve our natural resources.”
Khosiyat Soqieva
Khosiyat Soqieva
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov and Muhayo Lutfulloeva live with their children in Pitob village of Shughnon district. Previously, they lived in a large traditional Pamiri house, which was not insulated.
“The windows let in the cold, so it was very cold inside the house,” Fayzullobekov said. “We heated the house with firewood constantly, but it was still not warm enough. We needed a lot of firewood, so we had to cut down trees in our garden.”
When Fayzullobekov began a construction of a new house, he decided to insulate it. Previously, he worked in Moscow, so he already knew about thermal insulation technologies. After returning home, he decided to collaborate with Zindagi cooperative.
“The windows let in the cold, so it was very cold inside the house,” Fayzullobekov said. “We heated the house with firewood constantly, but it was still not warm enough. We needed a lot of firewood, so we had to cut down trees in our garden.”
When Fayzullobekov began a construction of a new house, he decided to insulate it. Previously, he worked in Moscow, so he already knew about thermal insulation technologies. After returning home, he decided to collaborate with Zindagi cooperative.
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov’s house
Fayzullobekov learned even more about energy efficient technologies from local skilled workers trained by German specialists from GIZ. Later, he opened his own workshop in his village and began producing energy efficient windows and doors.
“We live in a new thermally insulated house for three years now. Compared to previous years, when we lived in our old house, our fuel and electricity expenses have dropped significantly. We also use less firewood.”
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov
Fayzullobekov says that his family’s expenses on heating the house are half as much as expenses of his neighbours.
“For example, during four month of this winter, my neighbor used 10 bags of dry dung fuel, more than 20 bags of coal and 3 cubic meters of firewood to heat his house,” he said. “We used less than 10 bags of coal and just over 1 cubic meter of firewood. We turned on electrical appliances only for 5 hours per day.”
“For example, during four month of this winter, my neighbor used 10 bags of dry dung fuel, more than 20 bags of coal and 3 cubic meters of firewood to heat his house,” he said. “We used less than 10 bags of coal and just over 1 cubic meter of firewood. We turned on electrical appliances only for 5 hours per day.”
“It is better to invest in the thermal insulation of a house once than to spend large amounts of money on heating it annually.”
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov
Iftikhor Fayzullobekov
Fayzullobekov paid more than 2,000 somoni ($177) for electricity during the winter season in the old house. In the new house, his electricity expenses are cut in half.
“I am especially happy for my children, who feel comfortable in our warm home. In addition, saving the family budget by reducing the expenses on heating allows us to improve the living conditions of our family.”
Mukhayo Lutfulloeva
Mukhayo Lutfulloeva
This article was prepared as part of thementoring program of the Development of New Media and Digital Journalism in Central Asia IWPR Project implemented with the support of the Government of the United Kingdom. The content of the article does not reflect the official position of the Government of the United Kingdom and IWPR.
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