International Training under Erasmus+ MECAS Begins in Portugal

On 7 September 2026, the second training and project meeting of the international Erasmus+ MECAS – Development of Master curricula in EcoInformatics for the impact on the Aral Sea basin project commenced at the University of Beira Interior (UBI) in Covilhã, Portugal.

The event brings together representatives of partner universities from Italy, Spain, Portugal, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is represented by the UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Development of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management, Prof. T.A. Bazarbayeva and G.B. Tanabekova.

The opening session featured welcome addresses by Asiya Tureniyazova, MECAS Project Coordinator; Bruno Fonseca, Vice-Rector for Internationalization at the University of Beira Interior; João Leitão from UBI; and Dina Pereira, Executive Director of UBImedical. The participants were introduced to the programme of the training week and the key areas of international cooperation.

The training programme focuses on developing competencies in ecoinformatics, GIS, remote sensing, environmental monitoring, spatial analysis, Python, and modern digital technologies. Particular emphasis is placed on practical training, laboratory sessions, and group projects.

The knowledge and experience gained during the training will contribute to the development of a new Master’s programme in EcoInformatics, focused on applying digital technologies to address contemporary environmental challenges, including those affecting the Aral Sea basin.