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Satbayev University on guard of natural heritage: UNESCO geo-forum started in Almaty
In the modern world, where human impact on nature is becoming more and more destructive, UNESCO is creating geo-parks - special territories with a unique cultural and natural heritage. Kazakhstan, known for its rich natural and cultural diversity, is actively involved in this international initiative for conserving the natural resources.
Another step in the given process was "UNESCO Geo-parks for Sustainable Development and Cooperation" international geoforum, which was held at Satbayev University under the auspices of the United Nations and UNESCO. The forum brought together experts from different countries working in the field of cultural and natural heritage conservation, representatives of universities and national parks of Kazakhstan, who shared their experiences and challenges facing the program for the sustainable development of unique territories around the world.
One of them was Geo-park Aral, the first tourist route in Central Asia organized with the aim of preserving the nature and economy of the Aral Sea region and the Aral Sea. Saule Temirbek, Director of the Aral Geo-park, spoke about the work of the new geo-park:
- This is an open-air museum, which includes geo-tourism, ethno-tourism and other areas with the support of the local population, which support the economy of the region. Next year, we are applying to receive UNESCO global geo-park status.
To date, UNESCO Global Geo-parks program covers more than 190 sites in 48 countries around the world. Geo-park Aral will be the first geo-park from Kazakhstan in this program. It was founded by International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
The event was supported by Satbayev University, with the participation of Secretary General of National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ISESK Zhanar Shaimenova, Deputy Akim of Kyzylorda region Ardak Zebeshev, representatives of Kazan Federal University and the project group of Yangan-Tau Geo-park, as well as international experts.
This geoforum acted as a scientific and expert platform for discussing important issues of legislative regulation of geo-parks, the role of geo-parks in forming the research competencies and sustainable development, as well as the exchange of experience in creating the geo-parks and training of international experts in the field of conservation of natural heritage.
For Satbayev University, the forum has become another opportunity to share accumulated experience in the creation and implementation of projects based on sustainability principles. During the working sessions and bilateral consultations, ways to overcome difficulties in implementing the global agenda in the work of a modern university, methods of project risk analysis and community involvement in implementing the global initiatives were discussed. Following the meetings, representatives of Satbayev University Project Office for Sustainable Development agreed to continue cooperation and organize an expanded webinar for the universities of Kazan and Bashkortostan.
