On November 11–12, 2026, the Institute of Zoology hosted the international scientific conference “Current State and Prospects for the Conservation of Biodiversity of the Western Tien Shan”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve.
The conference brought together scientists, researchers and specialists from scientific organizations and protected areas of Kazakhstan, Russia and China to discuss current issues related to the study and conservation of the natural heritage of the Western Tien Shan. Over the two days, more than 90 people participated in the conference both in person and online.
The conference participants focused on the current state of the region’s fauna and flora, trends in changes in wildlife, the impact of climatic and anthropogenic factors on ecosystems, the status of rare and endemic species, and prospects for conserving the natural diversity of mountainous areas.
Conference organizers: Institute of Zoology, Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve, Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, Kazakhstan National Committee for UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB).
The scientific program included presentations on ornithology, theriology, entomology, herpetology, ichthyology, botany and other research areas. Particular attention was given to biodiversity research in the Aksu-Zhabagly and Karatau nature reserves, as well as other natural areas.
An important part of the conference was the roundtable discussion “Biodiversity Monitoring in Protected Areas”, dedicated to the exchange of experience, standardization of monitoring methods, and development of cooperation between protected areas and scientific organizations.
At the conclusion of the conference, the participants discussed the resolution and exchanged views and proposals aimed at advancing scientific research, strengthening professional ties, and improving approaches to biodiversity conservation.
As part of the conference’s cultural program, an excursion was organized to the Botanical Garden in Almaty and the seed bank (seed collection) of the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction.
The conference served as an important platform for strengthening international scientific cooperation and bringing together specialists working to study and conserve the unique natural ecosystems of the Western Tien Shan and other regions.
Following the conference, a collection of scientific papers will be published and made available on the Institute of Zoology website.
The conference was held to mark World Science Day for Peace and Development. The Western Tien Shan is a transboundary natural site that was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 17, 2016.
We thank all conference participants for their active participation, informative presentations, productive discussions, and contribution to the development of scientific cooperation for the conservation of biodiversity in natural ecosystems.
12.11.2026