The Kyrgyz Association of Agricultural, Science, and Environmental Journalists (KAIEJA) was established through the personal initiative of journalist Ulan Eshmatov. His work focuses on global issues related to agriculture, climate change, and the environment, as well as international practices that balance ecological preservation with agricultural productivity to support sustainable development.
Eshmatov is the 2024 Laureate of the “Meikin” Award in Media and Journalism, established by the President of the Kyrgyz Republic. He received the “Meikin” Award for his “Green Heritage and the Path to 2050” analytical article.
The association’s inaugural founding meeting was held on March 19, 2025, and its registration certificate was officially issued by the Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic on March 27, 2025. KAIEJA was founded by a team of seven experienced journalists, including its initiator Ulan Eshmatov, along with Taalaygul Chabdarova, Emilbek Momunov,
Mayrash Bazlakunova, Shaiyrbek Mukaramov, Zaiyrbek Baktybaev, and Gulzhan Karazhanova. KAIEJA believes its history will grow richer with time, welcoming new members who share the association’s values, goals, and long-term vision. The association is also committed to building its history through collaboration with both local and international partners. One of KAIEJA’s key objectives for 2025 is to join The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), an organization with nearly 70 years of history. Ulan Eshmatov, a founding member, has participated as a freelance journalist at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) World Congresses, attending events in Denmark (2022), Canada (2023), and Switzerland (2024). In 2024, he also attended the 26th IUFRO World Congress in Stockholm—held under the theme Forests and Society Towards 2050—as a solo journalist representing the Central Asian region. Looking ahead, KAIEJA aims to develop a strategic roadmap for 2026-2030 to guide its long-term growth and amplify its impact.
“We congratulate the Kyrgyz Agricultural, Science, and Environmental Journalists Association on their registration as the first guild in Central Asia. Ulan’s involvement in the IFAJ/Corteva Master Class and subsequent Congresses is a tribute to his dedication. We are excited to work with him and the rest of the KAIEJA board to welcome them into IFAJ and connect them and their members to the global ag journalism community,” said Steve Werblow, president of IFAJ.
The inaugural founding meeting of Kyrgyz Agricultural, Science, and Enviromental journalists association. Bishkek, March 19, 2025.