TSPC News

AUCA Students Share Insights on Environmental Conservation with schoolchildren from Toktogul district

September 21, 2023

#TSCP

In the framework of the project aimed at improving pasturelands and biodiversity in the Chychkan Valley, students from the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), Zhypara Kadyrakunova, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Environmental Sustainability and Climatology, and Savlet Nishanbek, a 1st-year student of the Faculty of Software Engineering, visited students from the 8th and 9th grades of School No. 41 named after Ibrahimov Umarov in the village of Zhany-Zhol in the Jalal-Abad region.

Both students had participated in the summer ecological camp, "Sustainable Natural Resource Management and GIS in Chychkan," organized by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) project in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on sustainable pasture management in the Chychkan and Suusamyr areas. The CEPF project, implemented by the American University of Central Asia, aims to support biodiversity conservation in the Suusamyr Valley and address threats associated with unsustainable livestock grazing.

The research and practical work in the camp enabled Zhypara and Savlet to gather essential data for increasing public awareness through outreach activities with the local population. This initiative is expected to contribute to improving the quality of life for local residents and preserving biodiversity.

The purpose of the meeting with the school students was to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the forest ecosystem of the Chychkan Gorge and the natural resources of this unique region. Through their presentations, the students helped the young audience in the Suusamyr Valley learn more about the role and significance of forests in climate preservation and the unique trees growing in their communities. The most active students who answered the forest quest questions posed by the AUCA students received memorable gifts with a compelling message: "There is no planet B."

"It was a pleasure to share knowledge and see the interest of the younger generation in the field of ecology. I believe that instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment is important from an early age, and I was glad to contribute to the preservation of the Chychkan Gorge forests," shared Zhypara Kadyrakunova.

The summer camp, organized by the Tyan-Shan Policy Center, environmental camp has become a nature conservation initiative for students, allowing young ecologists to apply their knowledge in practice and explore the latest methods of nature conservation under the guidance of professors and experts.

Within the CEPF project, all the necessary data will be collected to promote improved rangeland management plans and enhance public awareness through outreach activities with the local population. Enhanced rangeland management will contribute to improving the quality of life and conserving biodiversity.

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