Socio-Economic Support for High-Mountain Regions: The Experience of Kyrgyzstan in Comparative Perspective
Keywords:
high-mountain regions, state support, regional policy, social protection, sustainable developmentAbstract
This article examines the socio-economic mechanisms of state support for high-mountain regions in the Kyrgyz Republic from a comparative perspective. It analyzes the key challenges facing mountain territories, including geographical isolation, harsh climatic conditions, limited economic opportunities, and demographic decline. Particular attention is paid to Kyrgyzstan's legal and institutional framework, which includes altitude-based compensation, early retirement provisions, wage coefficients, and preferential credit programs for businesses operating in high-mountain areas. The study compares Kyrgyzstan's experience with policy approaches adopted in Nepal, Switzerland, Peru, and Bhutan, highlighting different strategies for promoting sustainable mountain development. The findings suggest that Kyrgyzstan has developed a highly institutionalized legal framework that effectively combines social protection with economic incentives, providing an important model for reducing territorial disparities and supporting sustainable development in mountainous regions.
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