We invite schools across Kazakhstan to join the movement to protect the Central Asian tortoise!
Tasbaqa Nature Protection Fund and the Institute of Zoology of Kazakhstan invite schools across the country to take part in the national contest for creating the most inspiring and educational “Turtle Corner” in your school!
The contest is held as part of the 2025–2026 national educational campaign for the protection of the Central Asian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii).
The contest is organized in cooperation with the Committee of Forestry and Wildlife of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, supported by the Institute of Zoology of the CS MES RK, and with assistance from the international Crowder-Messersmith Conservation Fund of Nature Forward. The goal is to raise awareness about the protection of the Central Asian tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) and to engage students and teachers in real conservation activities.
Goals and objectives of the “Turtle Corner” contest
- Increase students’ environmental literacy
- Foster a responsible attitude toward nature conservation in Kazakhstan
- Engage children, teachers, and parents in practical conservation activities
- Share positive experiences in creating eco-friendly school spaces
What is a “Turtle Corner”?
A “Turtle Corner” is a permanent or temporary school display dedicated to the life, habitat, and protection of the Central Asian tortoise. It may include:
- Students’ drawings, posters, and crafts
- Educational facts and maps
- Creative stories, quotes, or poems
- Photos, informational materials, or quizzes
- Materials in Kazakh and Russian languages
Unleash your creativity! Involve students of all ages and make this corner a place that educates and inspires.
Why participate in the “Turtle Corner” contest?
The contest aims to raise awareness among students about the status of the Central Asian tortoise in Kazakhstan, its role in ecosystems, and the need for careful treatment and protection of this species.
The winners will receive:
- Certificates and prizes (1st place – mini projector, 2nd place – speakers, 3rd place – art sets)
- Recognition on the @tasbaqa_kz Instagram page
- Winning schools will be invited to send two students and one teacher to a field trip in Almaty Region on April 18, 2026, which will include releasing Central Asian tortoises into the wild***
- All participating schools will receive personalized electronic certificates
*** Travel to Almaty from other cities of Kazakhstan is at the participants’ own expense
How to participate:
- Create a “Turtle Corner” in your school with participation of students (grades 1–11) and teachers
- Take high-quality photos of the display from at least three different angles
- Prepare a short description (up to 250 words) of the creation process and objectives. Include the city, school number, name of the principal and teachers leading the project, contact phone, and mailing address
- Send the description and photos to tasbaqa.contest2025@gmail.com by February 1, 2026. In the subject line, specify: “Application for participation in the Turtle Corner contest”
- Post about your “Turtle Corner” on Instagram, tag the organizer Tasbaqa Nature Protection Fund @tasbaqa_kz and use the hashtag #tasbaqa_turtle_corner
Important dates:
- Contest start: October 1, 2025
- Application deadline: February 1, 2026
- Winners announcement: March 1, 2026
- Field trip: April 18, 2026
Evaluation criteria:
- Educational value and accuracy of information
- Student engagement
- Creativity and originality
- Visibility and community impact
Join the “Turtle Corner” contest and let’s inspire a new generation of nature protectors together!
Yuliya Tsaugg, founder of the Tasbaqa Nature Protection Fund
For more information about the “Turtle Corner” Republican School Contest, see here:
