The International Conference “Problems and Prospects for the Conservation of Biodiversity in Central Asia” was held on November 6–8, 2025, at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. The event brought together more than 100 scientists and young researchers from 15 countries.
The main areas of the conference included:
• Conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development in Central Asia
• The role of specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) in biodiversity conservation
• Ecotourism as a tool for preserving natural heritage
• Ecological education and awareness
• Use of GIS and digital technologies in biodiversity monitoring
Roman V. Yashchenko, Director General of the Institute of Zoology of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a plenary lecture on “Conservation of Rare and Endangered Animals of Kazakhstan.”
Marina A. Chirikova, Deputy Director for Science, presented on the taxonomic composition of the fauna of the Western Tien Shan and the challenges of fauna conservation in the region.
Nazereke A. Bizhanova, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Theriology, reported on “The First Record of Felis lybica ornata Captured by a Camera Trap in Ile-Alatau National Park.”
Gulzhanat B. Tanabekova, Scientific Secretary of the Institute, moderated the session “The Role of Specially Protected Natural Areas.” Her paper titled “The Hawthorn Leafroller (Cacoecia crataegana Hb.) as a Pest of the Sievers Apple” will be published in the conference proceedings.
As one of the co-organizers, the Institute of Zoology presented an exhibition of wildlife photography taken by its researchers and a display of scientific publications.
Such events play a key role in strengthening scientific cooperation and sharing international experience. The conference provided an effective platform for discussing pressing issues of biodiversity conservation, developing joint approaches, and establishing partnerships among scientific and environmental organizations in the region. These forums help consolidate the efforts of scientists, government bodies, and the public toward preserving the unique natural heritage of Central Asia.
Within the framework of the conference, an important international event also took place — the opening of a new research center at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
The main goal of the Central Asian–German Institute for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation is to promote scientifically based initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems and preserving biological diversity in the countries of Central Asia. The new center will serve as a platform for strengthening environmental cooperation between Kazakhstani and German scientists, implementing joint research projects, and sharing expertise.
The event was attended by Zhanset Tuymebayev, Chairman of the Board – Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University; Matthias Lehrer, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Almaty; Tillokhudja Ibodzoda, Vice President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan; Matthias Kramer, Managing Director of NETSCI GmbH; Aizhan Skakova, expert of the Public Chamber under the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Chair of the Kazakh Society for Nature Conservation; and others.
The Consul General of Germany, Matthias Lehrer, also emphasized the importance of the newly established institute:
“Climate change today is one of the key global challenges. The new scientific institute will become an important platform for conducting joint research on biodiversity and natural resource protection. Scientists not only from Kazakhstan and Germany but also from other Central Asian countries will take part in this work,” he said.
08.11.2025
Photos: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and participants of the event