KazNU scientist studies Japan's experience

Associate Professor, Associate Research Professor at the Department of the Far East of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Yerlan Akhapov conducts research at one of the world's leading environmental centers, the Research Institute of Humanity and Nature (RIHN) in Kyoto.

The scientist's project "Environmental policy in the field of household waste management in Japan: best practices for the sustainable development of Kazakhstan" is aimed at an in-depth scientific analysis of Japan's advanced approaches to sustainable development.

RIHN is a national institute of Japan that specializes in interdisciplinary research on global environmental transformations. RIHN's research projects focus on analyzing the interrelationships between human activities, cultural practices, and the state of the environment.

The Visiting Research Fellow program creates favorable conditions for foreign scientists. After passing a competitive selection, researchers from different countries are involved in the institute's current projects, conduct their own scientific work and share their experience with leading Japanese specialists.

Yerlan Akhapov's scientific work covers the analysis of the country's environmental policy, the practice of municipal waste management, a comparative study of Japanese and Kazakh experience in the field of sustainable development, as well as the study of the role of environmental education in shaping a responsible attitude of the population to the environment. The scientist will get acquainted with the work of incinerators and recycling plants, specialized environmental centers, as well as an educational institution where advanced environmental education practices are implemented.

During his work, Yerlan Akhapov will meet with leading Japanese experts, including Professor Misuzu Asari, a recognized expert in the field of household waste management, and researchers from the Departments of Fundamental and Applied Environmental Sciences. Scientific discussions cover the optimization of municipal sorting systems, the role of digital technologies in waste control, mechanisms for public engagement, as well as strategies to reduce environmental stress in the context of global challenges. Special attention is paid to field research work.

The KazNU scientist will also make a presentation at the FY2025 The 4th Visiting Research Fellow Seminar.: «Sustainable Development Challenges in Kazakhstan: An Analysis of Japanese and Kazakh Experience in Household Waste Management». The former Mayor of Kyoto, Mr. Daisaku Kadokawa, will comment on the report.

Based on the results of the internship, it is planned to prepare scientific articles for international journals, form the concept of joint projects with Japanese researchers, develop scientifically based recommendations for the governing bodies of Kazakhstan, etc.

According to Yerlan Akhapov, Associate Research Professor at KazNU, his research contributes to strengthening cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan and meets the objectives of developing an ecological culture, modernizing waste management systems and promoting the principles of sustainable development.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University