SUMMER SCHOOL “AL-FARABI ECOUNIVERSITY – 2025” OPENED IN ATYRAU

On 11 August 2025, the official opening of the Summer School “Al-Farabi Ecouniversity – 2025” took place at Utebayev University (Atyrau). The event is held within the framework of the megaproject BR21882122 “Sustainable Development of Natural-Industrial and Socio-Economic Systems of the West Kazakhstan Region in the Context of Green Growth: A Comprehensive Analysis, Concept, Forecast Estimates and Scenarios” and has become a significant milestone in academic cooperation between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Utebayev University.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by Gulzada Shakulikova, Rector of Utebayev University, and Margulan Ibraimov, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, who emphasized that the mission of the Summer School goes beyond traditional educational formats. The School is conceived as a platform for scholarly dialogue, academic exchange, and project-based cooperation. The theme of this cohort – “Methods for Assessing Anthropogenic Impact on the Environment: Geosystems, Society, Education, Culture, and Worldview” – reflects the program’s interdisciplinary nature and practice-oriented focus.

The School’s relevance is driven by climate change, land degradation, pollution of soils, water and the atmosphere, as well as rising environmental risks. Holding the School in Atyrau – a region of intensive interaction between nature, industry and society – underscores its applied focus.

The programme runs until 20 August and includes lectures, field sessions and project workshops. Particular attention is given to the application of GIS and remote sensing technologies, spatial modelling of risk zones, and the design of sustainable landscapes (including in the vicinity of mineral deposits). Students undertake project assignments aimed at addressing real-world environmental challenges; the programme also includes cultural and sports activities.

The School’s content is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 6, 7, 10, 13, 14, 15 and 17), ranging from quality education and clean water to ecosystem protection and the strengthening of partnerships.

A key outcome of the first day was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the universities, confirming long-term plans for joint scientific and educational initiatives in the fields of ecology and sustainable development.

As part of the Summer School programme, on 12 August, in observance of the International Caspian Sea Day, Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Doctor of Geographical Sciences Aliya Aktymbayeva delivered a lecture entitled “Sustainable Development: Concept and Examples”. The lecture presented international approaches and Kazakhstani practices aimed at integrating sustainability principles into natural resource management.

The Summer School will run until 20 August. Upon completion, participants will present the results of their project work, and the organizing universities will develop proposals for further research and applied cooperation in the field of ecology and sustainable development