"What Remains of the Botanical Garden?" A New Disturbing Video is Being Discussed Online
A recent video published on social media has drawn users' attention to the condition of the Enver Gareev Botanical Garden in Bishkek. In the video, the author highlights the noticeable deterioration of the greenery and the overall “deserted” atmosphere of the garden compared to previous years.
The Botanical Garden is one of the significant green spaces in the capital and is an important historical and scientific site, playing a key role in the city's ecology. In recent years, its condition has become a subject of active discussions. In 2025, videos appeared online showing changes in the garden's area compared to previous years, which also sparked a wave of public discontent.
In response to the criticism, the city administration stated that the garden is not under their management but belongs to the National Academy of Sciences. They also confirmed that the Botanical Garden has the status of a specially protected natural area under current legislation.
Earlier, the garden administration reported that the changes in its condition are related to the ongoing major repairs of the irrigation system and preparations for the planned reconstruction. It was also noted that some areas of the garden are overrun by invasive plants, which will be replaced with ornamental species in the future.
This week, it became known that construction work has begun in the garden for football fields and other infrastructure, including recreation areas, running and cycling paths, as well as playgrounds. The administration claims that the areas chosen for development were previously not landscaped and did not support tree growth. Profits from the sports facilities are planned to be used for the maintenance and development of the Botanical Garden.
Additionally, members of parliament expressed concern about the fate of the garden, calling for the preservation of its green spaces and not using the territory for commercial or sports facilities, emphasizing its importance as the “lungs” of Bishkek.
The discussion about the condition of the Botanical Garden remains one of the key environmental topics in Bishkek, actively raised by both the city's residents and public representatives.
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