Scientific Project: ALMA-KIKA – "Conservation of Malus sieversii and Development of Ecological Education and Scientific Research Based on Biodiversity"
May 14–21, 2025. Off-site session direction: Dushanbe (Tajikistan), Tashkent and Nukus (Uzbekistan)
Purpose: To share ALMA-KIKA project results with international partners, deliver presentations, provide scientific-practical recommendations, and strengthen regional cooperation in ecosystem conservation.
The off-site session was organized under the international ALMA-KIKA scientific-educational project by the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU). The project focuses on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Central Asia, particularly the conservation of wild apple species Malus sieversii.
On May 16, 2025, an international conference was held in Dushanbe titled “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation – Potentials for Germany-Tajikistan Cooperation.” Representing KazNU, Professor Aliya Aktymbayeva delivered a presentation titled “Geoecological Education as a Tool for Preserving Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services.” It covered educational, glaciological, and remote sensing strategies under the ALMA-KIKA framework.
On May 17, 2025, a thematic expert session on biodiversity was held at Green University in Tashkent, discussing the role of universities in advancing environmental agendas. Key topics included ecosystem services in the context of climate change, agroecology, genetic diversity, and green education. KazNU’s experience in preserving Malus sieversii was presented. A proposal was made to establish a regional inter-university platform.
On May 19, 2025, the KazNU delegation participated in a conference in Nukus titled “Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection – Future of Germany-Uzbekistan Cooperation.”
On May 20, 2025, KazNU Rector Zhanseit Tuimebayev and delegation paid an official visit to Berdakh Karakalpak State University. A memorandum of understanding was signed to develop joint research, academic exchanges, and summer schools.
ALMA-KIKA project activities in Kazakhstan—such as planting Malus sieversii, mapping eco-trails, fieldwork, and educational modules—were extensively presented. Topics such as genetic resource conservation, ecosystem service assessment, and biodiversity protection through ecotourism were discussed.
Recommendations for next project phases:
- Adapt ecosystem education models for universities in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
- Develop a cross-border geoinformation system on the distribution of Malus sieversii.
- Organize a summer school in Kazakhstan for regional students and young scientists.
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