Institute for Biodiversity Conservation opened in KazNU
A new research center, the Central Asian-German Institute for the Protection of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, has opened at Al–Farabi Kazakh National University.
The main goal of the Institute is the scientifically based development of initiatives to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems and the conservation of biological diversity in Central Asian countries. The new center will become a platform for strengthening environmental cooperation between scientists from Kazakhstan and Germany, joint implementation of scientific projects and exchange of experience.
The opening of the Institute took place within the framework of the international scientific and practical conference "Problems and Prospects of biodiversity conservation in Central Asia".
The event was attended by: Chairman of the Management Board – Rector of KazNU Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Almaty Mathias Leherer, Vice-President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Tillohuja Ibodzoda, Managing Director of NETSCI GmbH Matthias Kramer, as well as more than 100 scientists and young researchers from 15 countries.
Opening the conference, Rector Zhanseit Tuimebayev stressed that KazNU is actively implementing sustainable development goals through science, education and social initiatives. "The plenary sessions discuss topical issues of biodiversity conservation and achievements in this area. Special attention is paid to the protection of Kazakhstan's unique natural heritage – the Sivers apple tree, the development of environmental education, ecotourism and environmental protection issues. These areas are directly related to the UN Sustainable Development Goals: No. 13 – "Combating climate change", No. 14 – "Conservation of marine ecosystems" and No. 15 – "Protection of terrestrial ecosystems". I am sure that the results of our work will be significant for the scientific community of the entire region",- said the rector.
German Consul General Mathias Leherer also stressed the importance of the established institute: "Climate change is one of the key global issues today. The new scientific institute will become an important platform for joint research in the field of protection of biological diversity and natural resources. Not only scientists from Kazakhstan and Germany, but also researchers from other Central Asian countries will join the work".
During the conference, scientists from different countries presented reports and discussed issues of adaptation to climate change, conservation of natural territories and the development of international scientific programs.
The work continued in breakout sessions on thematic areas.
Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University