Water is the natural wealth of Kyrgyzstan, which is increasingly under threat due to reduced rain and snowfall. For the ethno-cultural complex ‘Supara’, water preservation and reduced environmental impact are as important as monetary savings.

The ethno-complex ‘Supara’ is part of Kyrgyzstan’s ethno and eco-tourism sector and is located 40 kilometers outside of Bishkek, surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Chunkurchak. This project reflects the cultural traditions of the Kyrgyz people and the life of their ancestors. Only natural materials such as stone, clay, straw, and leather were used for the construction of the accommodation units. As part of the ethno and eco tourism sector, the responsible use of energy and water resources is an important component of the ‘Supara’ brand.

In September 2019, the hotel, which serves up to 450-500 guests per year, replaced its inefficient wastewater treatment plant through a KyrSEFF loan. ‘We were not satisfied with the quality of the previous wastewater treatment plant. It did not produce suitable water quality at the outlet. It did not meet the state standard. So we decided to replace the plant with a new one that meets to high European quality standards’, said Belek Mambetov, the Financial director of ‘Supara’.

The KyrSEFF team reviewed the project and technology selected by the client, assessing potential energy savings, as well as financial and technical parameters and risks. The US$100,000 investment generates US$12,524 in water cost savings per year, which corresponds to a payback period of under 10 years. The two-stage anaerobic wastewater treatment technology achieves 95% water purity at the outlet, making it suitable for irrigation. Therefore fresh water consumption for irrigation is reduced by 30%, which amounts to more than 20,000 cubic meters per year.

After the successful project verification, the company receives a grant of US$15,000 from the European Union (IFCA).