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The Aral Sea as a renaissance point: a scientific project has united the region and the international community
Satbayev University continues to implement one of the most significant scientific and environmental projects of recent years - the creation of “Aral” geo-park, which has already reached the international level and claims to be included in the UNESCO global network. The project, initiated by scientists and supported by government and international partners, has become not only a scientific initiative, but also a symbol of the revival of the Aral Sea region.
History of the geo-park began in 2018 during the field school, where the idea of preserving the unique geological and cultural heritage of the region was first voiced. Today it is a large-scale project that unites scientists, universities, schoolchildren, local communities and government authorities. In 2024, the project received institutional support from International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea and Kyzylorda region’s akimat.
Scientific work became a key stage. In 2024, the staff of K.I. Satbayev Geological Sciences Institute conducted a complete inventory of the geological heritage sites of the Aral region. In 2025, an international conference was held in Aral with the participation of more than 80 experts from Russia, Germany, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, where there were confirmed the global importance of the territory and the need for its preservation.
In the summer of the same year, there was held "GeoAral-2025" international expedition, which was attended by doctor of geological and mineralogical sciences Saida Nigmatova, candidate of biological sciences, paleontologist Bolat Baishashov, paleontologist Tatyana Pirogova, professor at Satbayev University Alma Bekbotayeva, representative of the UNESCO Global geo-park "Yangantau" Airat Galiyev, professor at MSU branch in Tajikistan Farid Salikhov and other researchers. The research was interdisciplinary in nature, which empowered to form a comprehensive understanding of the region. According to the research results, Aral geo-park was included in the tourism map of Kazakhstan, and in November, representatives of UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network confirmed their interest in the project.
The project acquires particular importance in the context of Aral Sea’s fate, one of the largest environmental disasters of 20th century. The disappearance of the sea has changed the climate, destroyed the traditional economy and affected the lives of hundreds of thousands. For Kazakhstan, the Aral Sea is not only a tragedy, but also an important lesson in responsibility for natural resources, a symbol of ecological memory and the need for sustainable development.
Creation of the Aral geo-park goes far beyond the scope of a scientific project. This is an attempt to rethink the region's past and shape its future through science, education, and a sustainable economy. Akimats, educational institutions and public organizations are involved in the work on the region’s revival. The geo-park has already become the business of the entire region.
For Satbayev University, participation in the project was a confirmation of its role as the country's leading scientific and educational center, capable of initiating and implementing global-level projects. Aral geo-park demonstrates how university science can become a driver of sustainable change, uniting the regions, countries and international organizations around the common goal of preserving heritage and building the future.
