SUCCESSFUL START OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN CENTRAL ASIA AT AL-FARABI KAZAKH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

On November 6, 2025, the opening of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Problems and Prospects of Biodiversity Conservation in Central Asia” took place at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU).

More than 100 leading experts from 15 countries gathered to discuss pressing issues, challenges, and achievements in studying the biodiversity of Central Asia, including the preservation of the Sivers apple, environmental protection, eco-tourism, and environmental education.

The importance of these topics is directly linked to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – SDG 13 “Climate Action”, SDG 14 “Life Below Water”, and SDG 15 “Life on Land”.

During the conference, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed on the establishment of the Central Asian–German Institute for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Protection based at Al-Farabi KazNU.

The conference was opened by Rector of Al-Farabi KazNU, Z.K. Tuimebayev, who emphasized that the university, as the country’s leading scientific and educational center, actively contributes to sustainable development through education, scientific research, partnerships, and social initiatives.

The organizers of the Conference were the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management and the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development, whose research focuses on the comprehensive study of the conservation of Kazakhstan’s natural biodiversity, rational use of natural resources, and sustainable development. The event was held with the support of the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology.

Co-organizers of the conference include:

• National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan,
• German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU),
• Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia,
• Kazakhstan National Committee for the UNESCO “Man and the Biosphere” Programme,
• RSE “Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction”,
• “Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan”,
• JSC “Institute of Geography and Water Security”,
• SE “Almaty State Nature Reserve”,
• NPLC “Kazakh National Agrarian Research University”,
• RSE “Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology”,
• SE “Ile-Alatau National Natural Park”,
• and the NGO “Jerdin Dostary”.