From April 22 to 24, 2026, Astana hosted the Regional Environmental Summit,
which brought together leading experts, scientists, and representatives of
international organizations to discuss pressing environmental challenges and
develop collaborative approaches to sustainable development in Central Asia.
Representatives of the research group of the IRN BR27197639 Flood MAR
project also took part in the summit. This project is aimed at implementing
innovative hydrogeological solutions to mitigate flood and drought risks in
five regions of Kazakhstan: Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetisu, Abai, and East Kazakhstan
regions. Among the participants were Professor Aizhan Skakova (Candidate of
Geographical Sciences); Zhanay Sagintayev (Sagin), a water resources expert and
geomatics engineer; Dr. Arman Utepov (PhD), an ecologist, water resources
expert, and head of the EcoMind Center for Ecosystem Solutions; as well as
other members of the project team. Within the framework of the event, the
researchers discussed the prospects for the development of the water sector,
climate change adaptation, and modern approaches to water resources management
with members of the scientific community and environmental experts.
Special attention on the sidelines of the summit was paid to the
initiatives of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, K.-J.K.Tokayev, to
strengthen international water cooperation. As part of a UNDP seminar held on
April 24, our colleagues also participated in a lecture-discussion with Dr.
Michal Kravčík, a laureate of the prestigious international Goldman Environmental
Prize, founder of the international "Water Holistic" program, and
author of the "New Water Paradigm." Dr. Kravčík traveled from
Slovakia at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic
of Kazakhstan to share his expertise on restoring water cycles with the
scientific community. The meeting was also attended by Hubert Lohr,
International Advisor on Water Resources Management for the United Nations
Development Programme; Bulat Esekin, a renowned global expert and coordinator
of the Central Asian Water Platform; and Saikal Anarbekovna Esenamanova, an
expert modeler from the Center for Economic Modeling and Analysis at the Musa
Ryskulbekov Kyrgyz Economic University.
One of the significant outcomes of the Flood MAR project working group's
participation in the Regional Environmental Summit was the establishment of
direct professional contacts with the leadership of the Executive Directorate
of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in the Republic of Kazakhstan
(ED IFAS). During the event, working meetings were held with Serikali
Mukhametkarimuly Mukataev, Director of ED IFAS; Marat Tursynbekuly Narbaev,
Deputy Director; Saule Kaiymkyzy Temirbek, Director of the Aral Geopark; and
Diana Malikovna Burlibaeva, Head of the Department of Ecology and Sustainable
Development.
During the discussions, the parties reviewed cooperation prospects in the
fields of sustainable water resources management, environmental education, and
capacity building to address the region's current environmental challenges. The
participants placed special emphasis on the role of educational organizations
in fostering an environmental culture and developing the practical competencies
of future specialists.