Students of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences Took Part in an International UNEP Competition in Shanghai

From June 5 to 7, 2025, students of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) participated in the international student conference GESC 2025, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in cooperation with Tongji University in Shanghai, China.

The event brought together around 180 participants from more than 40 countries, uniting young scientists, students, and environmental activists working on solutions to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

The KazNU team presented a project titled: “Tackling Climate Change and Microplastic Pollution: Solutions for Protected Mountain Lakes in Kazakhstan.” The project showcased the results of both field and laboratory research on microplastics in Lake Markakol, a remote high-mountain lake in Eastern Kazakhstan. Particular attention was given to identifying potential sources of pollution and proposing strategies to reduce anthropogenic pressure on this unique ecosystem.

Daryn Abugali, a member of the team, shared his impressions:

“The conference was organized at a very high level. We had the chance to meet students from different countries and explore Shanghai together. Interacting with representatives and students from Tongji University inspired me to consider pursuing further studies here.”

Participation in such a large-scale international platform marked an important step for KazNU students toward raising environmental awareness, strengthening international scientific collaboration, and promoting sustainable solutions in the field of environmental protection.