Scientific and Educational Ecological Excursion to Almaty Reserve (as part of the Winter School)

On February 19, 2025, as part of the IV International Winter School, dedicated to UNESCO's International Day of Education, a scientific and educational excursion was organized for participants of the educational program. The event took place in one of the unique natural areas – the Almaty State Nature Reserve.

The main goal of the excursion was to introduce participants to the biological diversity of the Zailiysky Alatau and to raise their environmental awareness. Lecturers from the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development at the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management, Gulzhanat Mukhanova and Nurgul Bergenova, conducted a session on "Biodiversity of Almaty Reserve: Studying Flora and Fauna". They provided detailed insights into the region's rare and endemic plant and animal species, their conservation status, and protective measures taken to preserve them.

As part of the excursion, participants visited the reserve’s museum, where they explored an exhibition showcasing the richness of local ecosystems and the methods used for ecological monitoring. The tour then continued within the reserve, where inspectors explained the features of the natural landscapes, mechanisms of ecosystem restoration, and the impact of human activity on the environment.

This field-based session allowed participants to expand their knowledge of regional biodiversity, realize the importance of conservation efforts, and develop a deeper understanding of ecosystem balance principles.