Kazakhstan
UNESCO Jakarta
Aral Sea, climate change, water resources, land restoration
The region of the Aral Sea is one of the most vulnerable part of the region of Central Asia. Climate change puts additional stress on the environment, economics, social sector and infrastructure, and will likely have consequences for locals as well as the region as a whole. Series of field lectures is dedicated to translation of present situation in the region and include historical facts and data, social, economic and environmental consequences of disaster, restoration measures and forecasts for future.
Creation of virtual field video lectures with a visual example about the environmental situation on the Aral Sea.
1. History of the region and background of disaster.
2. Consequences of the tragedy:
-Impact on environment of the region;
-Social and economic aspects;
3. Solutions and restoration measures:
-Nature based solutions and infrastructure;
-Social and economic solutions;
-Eco friendly farming in desert areas
photo and video from the field with place or process description, historical video scenes and images, diagrams, satellite images and maps, short interviews with locals and experts
-Dr. Bolat Bekniyaz – Doctor in Geography, Head of the Kazakhstan office of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Dr. Bolat Bekniyaz has a strong expertise in hydrogeology, geology, hydrology and ecology. Started his career at the Institute of Hydrogeology of Kazakhstan as a junior researcher, during his career as a researcher took part in many projects and expeditions focusing on water resources in the region of Aral. In different years, he held high-ranking positions in state agencies dealing with environmental and water resources problems.
-Dr. Zauresh Alimbetova – Doctor in biology, Head of the “Barsakelmes” State reserve and Chair of the “Barsakelmes” UNESCO biosphere reserve. Dr. Zauresh Alimbetova has a strong expertise in biology ecology and biodiversity of the region of Aral. She started her career as a junior officer at the Barsakelmes reserve.
-Almas Kitapbayev – Expert on the Aral Sea issues at Kazakh-German University His background is GIS, physical geography, geomorphology and hydrology. Started his career as junior researcher as junior researcher at laboratory of GIS and geomorphology of the Institute of Geography of Kazakhstan. For the last 7 years involved in projects in the field of desertification, natural resources management and organizing of educational and research expeditions for students in the region of Aral.
