Fact Check: Kyrgyzstan has reached agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to coordinate a trilateral response to the locust outbreak as of August 2023.

Fact Check: Kyrgyzstan's Agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Locust Outbreak

What We Know

As of August 2023, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have indeed reached agreements to coordinate a trilateral response to the locust outbreak. This collaboration was formalized during the 55th meeting of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) working group, where officials from all three nations discussed strategies for combating locust infestations (Kazinform, Times of Central Asia).

The trilateral agreement emphasizes the importance of adhering to international phytosanitary standards, enhancing data sharing regarding locust distribution and life cycles, and focusing on border areas that are common pathways for pest migration (source-1, source-4).

A significant technological advancement discussed was the "Locust.uz" system, which maps locust egg-laying sites and tracks pesticide spraying operations using GPS technology. This system is designed to facilitate rapid assessments and responses to locust threats (source-2, source-3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that Kyrgyzstan has reached agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The reports from Kazinform and the Times of Central Asia, both of which are reputable news agencies in the region, confirm the trilateral discussions and agreements made during the EPPO meeting. These sources provide detailed accounts of the measures discussed, including the integration of digital systems for effective data sharing and the focus on near-border regions to combat locust spread (source-2, source-3).

Moreover, the involvement of high-ranking officials, such as Saken Kanybekov, the Acting Chairman of Kazakhstan's State Inspection Committee, adds credibility to the reports as it indicates that the discussions were taken seriously at the governmental level. The focus on international phytosanitary standards and data sharing further underscores the commitment of these nations to address the locust threat collaboratively (source-4, source-5).

While the sources are generally reliable, it is important to note that regional news outlets may have varying degrees of bias. However, the consistency across multiple reports from different outlets lends credence to the accuracy of the information presented.

Conclusion

The claim that Kyrgyzstan has reached agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to coordinate a trilateral response to the locust outbreak as of August 2023 is True. The agreements were established during a formal meeting of the EPPO working group, where significant measures and collaborative strategies were discussed to combat locust infestations effectively.

Sources

1. Kyrgyzstan Urges Regional Unity to Combat Major Locust Outbreak
2. Central Asian Nations Boost Joint Fight Against Locusts
3. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan join efforts to combat locust spread
4. Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to integrate systems in the fight against locusts
5. Three Central Asian countries will jointly fight against locusts
6. Locusts in Caucasus and Central Asia