All initiatives undertaken by our state in line with the Sustainable Development Goals form the foundation of national progress. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizes in his work the significant impact of nature on humanity. Today, the concept of “Clean Kazakhstan” has become a central slogan for the state, highlighting that cleanliness is closely linked to responsibility.
At Dormitory №17 of the Faculty of Philology, a lecture on “Environmental Culture” was held with the participation of students from the Faculty of Geography and Nature Management. The lecture was delivered by Alim Mylkaidarov, PhD in Geography, Associate Professor. He began by addressing one of the key issues of the 21st century – protecting the environment and ensuring harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Particular attention was given to how scientific and technological progress, combined with anthropogenic impact, leads to irreversible changes in nature, illustrated with real-life examples through slides. The lecture emphasized the consequences of environmental neglect and the importance of integrating ecological culture into daily life. Environmental culture, according to the lecturer, is based on worldview, humanistic, and practical attitudes in our interaction with nature, and it reflects not only individual development but also the level of societal advancement.
Educational institutions play a crucial role in shaping ecological culture. Universities are not only centers for professional training but also spiritual spaces where civic, ecological, and cultural values are instilled. Implementing green campus initiatives – such as energy conservation, waste sorting, and landscaping – remains highly relevant. The lecture also highlighted state programs and public initiatives in Kazakhstan aimed at promoting environmental culture, noting that the level of ecological awareness is still insufficient, as evidenced by student examples.
The lecture sparked active discussion among students, addressing the reality that a significant portion of society still treats nature as a resource to be exploited. Issues such as environmental violations, improper waste disposal, and resource wastage were acknowledged. It was stressed that environmental culture is not just about knowledge, but about understanding responsibility towards future generations. Universities are pivotal in this regard, and students should remember that they are not only future professionals but also carriers of social awareness and culture.
In conclusion, several practical recommendations were shared:
-
Disseminate simple and accessible ecological information to raise public awareness, for example through campaigns like “Eco Week”, “Earth Hour”, “Clean City – Clean Society”.
-
Encourage the daily adoption of eco-friendly habits, such as waste sorting, recycling, and saving water and electricity.
-
Foster engagement of the younger generation through ecological films, theater performances, poetry festivals, and art installations, blending creativity with environmental education.
-
Provide grants and scholarships from the state and businesses to motivate ecological initiatives.
Environmental culture encompasses not only nature protection but also a person’s thinking, lifestyle, and behavior. Through these concrete steps, Kazakhstan can deeply instill sustainable development principles in society and ensure a safe environment for future generations. Establishing ecological awareness and behavior within universities represents a tangible step toward sustainable development.
Saule ERZHANOVA
Professor, Department of Kazakh Literature and Literary Theory, PhD
