The document significantly expands the department’s authority. The agency will now coordinate the activities of specially protected natural areas, participate in the creation of new nature reserves and the expansion of existing ones, develop proposals for expanding the protected areas network, and attract investment and grants for environmental protection projects.

In addition, the department will receive broader enforcement powers. Its staff will be authorized to prevent violations of environmental legislation, inspect vehicles, luggage, hunting equipment, and harvested products within protected areas, confiscate illegally obtained wildlife and plant resources, prepare official reports and protocols, and oversee the use of state property and financial resources allocated to protected territories.

The department has also been tasked with maintaining state biodiversity databases, coordinating the financial and operational activities of nature reserves and national parks, organizing conservation and wildlife management measures, contributing to maintaining the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan, and promoting ecological and scientific tourism.

The resolution will enter into force in ten days.