​​​​​​​Master class on the importance of the Sievers apple tree for Central Asia

On December 25, 2024, a master class on "The importance of the Sievers Apple tree for Central Asia" was held at the Ayusai Visitor Center (Almaty). The event brought together experts, students and anyone interested in ecology and sustainable development.

The master class was organized by the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the Jerdin Dostary public association and the Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park as part of the ALMA-KiKa project supported by the German Federal Environment Fund.

The event was aimed at supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 15 "Conservation of terrestrial ecosystems", focusing on the preservation of the unique biodiversity of Central Asia. Special attention was paid to the role of the Sievers apple tree, the ancestor of modern apple varieties, as a key component of regional ecosystems.

The master class program included:

Presentation of research on the historical and ecological significance of the Sievers apple tree and its role in preserving the geosystems of Central Asia (speaker: Tanabekova G.B., PhD).

A practical part with a demonstration of the stages of designing a new ecological route and the involvement of local communities and volunteers (speaker, Head of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism, R.M. Bayburiev)

A presentation of educational programs in the field of 087 Environmental protection technology (speaker, Head of the UNESCO Department of Sustainable Development, T.A. Bazarbayeva)

One of the moderators of the master class was an expert of the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Skakova Aizhan Amangeldievna.

Results of the event:

The participants not only learned about the importance of the Sievers apple tree as a unique natural site, but also proposed initiatives to preserve biodiversity. Much attention was paid to educational programs and the involvement of the local population in environmental protection projects.

The event was an important step in promoting sustainable development and preserving the unique nature of Central Asia.