At the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management, a webinar entitled “Water is Life” was held in celebration of World Water Day, focusing on the protection of rivers from pollution.

A cognitive webinar dedicated to World Water Resources Protection Day was held among second-year students of the 6B05203 – Hydrology educational program at the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event was organized by the group curators, Senior Lecturer T.M. Kazakbayeva and Acting Associate Professor M.S. Ospanova.

During the webinar, students were divided into four groups and prepared substantial presentations on key issues related to water resource protection, sharing their perspectives. The first group focused on the history, objectives, and international significance of World Water Resources Protection Day. The second group analyzed the relevance of water resource protection, global and regional water challenges, and its connection with the Sustainable Development Goals. The third group examined the ecological condition of one of the most polluted rivers in the world, highlighting the causes and consequences of pollution. The fourth group reviewed polluted rivers in the Republic of Kazakhstan and analyzed the environmental situation using a specific river as a case study.                                                                                                                                           

Throughout the event, students not only demonstrated their theoretical knowledge but also engaged in discussions and reflected on environmental responsibility. At the end of the webinar, participants took part in the intellectual game “Brain Ring,” competing in knowledge. This segment generated particular interest and increased participants’ engagement.

The event broadened the students’ professional outlook and contributed to a deeper understanding of the importance of water resource protection. Water is the source of life; therefore, its protection is the shared responsibility of every citizen.

During the webinar, particular attention was given to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 6 – “Clean Water and Sanitation.” Students emphasized that the rational use of water resources, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and protecting water ecosystems are fundamental conditions for global sustainable development. It was also noted that addressing water-related challenges is closely interconnected not only with environmental sustainability but also with social and economic stability.