A petition against the competition has already gathered nearly 1,700 signatures. The stage of the world powerboat racing championship is planned to take place on Issyk-Kul from July 31 to August 2.

In his appeal, the environmentalist notes that Issyk-Kul is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the lake’s waters are classified as a specially protected area.

According to the petition author’s estimates, during three days of racing, 23 boats with two-stroke engines could emit tens of tons of carbon dioxide, as well as create risks of water pollution from petroleum products and significant underwater noise.

Samat Kushbek believes that such competitions could negatively affect endemic fish species and the lake’s ecosystem. Instead of F1H2O, he proposes using electric-powered boats.

Previously, the Director of the State Agency for Tourism Development, Eduard Kubatov, commented to 24.kg news agency on criticism surrounding the project, stating that modern F1H2O technologies eliminate pollution of the lake.

«I can guarantee: not a single drop of petroleum products will enter Issyk-Kul,» he said.

According to Eduard Kubatov, competitions have been held since 1981 in various countries around the world, including Dubai, Jeddah, Hong Kong, and Italy, and the tournament standards comply with the requirements of international environmental organizations.

He also noted that divers are already cleaning the shoreline and the bottom of Issyk-Kul as part of preparations for the competition.

«They are finding tons of garbage, plastic, and huge metal structures. That is what we should be talking about first,» the head of the State Agency for Tourism Development said.

He called the hosting of the F1H2O stage a «historic opportunity for Kyrgyzstan,» emphasizing that the tournament will be broadcast in more than 90 countries worldwide.