Center for Natural Resources and Sustainability

Central Asia and Afghanistan

• German MFA
• IHE Delft

• International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea
• IHE Delft
• GIZ
• Barsakelmes State Nature Reserve

August (Aral Summer School)

• Climate Change: Discover the relationships between climate change and the dynamics of the Central Asian cryosphere and water resources, as well the associated risks of natural disasters and negative processes. Through this knowledge, you will explore effective strategies for adaptation to climate change, water and food security.
• Socio-Economic Features of Development in the Aral Sea Region: Examine the socio-economic situation of the region, exploring the gender and cultural aspects of local communities and their problems, as well as ways to develop and improve the well-being of the population.
• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): Learn about the importance of coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources.
• Tourism in the Aral Sea region: Explore the specifics of organizing such tourism directions on the dried Aral Seabed as "Ecotourism" and "Dark Tourism" and their benefits for the development of the region.

Project Objectives.

1. To broaden the knowledge of future leaders on climate change and its consequences for the water, food and socio-economic security of the Central Asian region.
2. Raise youth awareness by strengthening the platform to connect different youth initiatives and enable new concrete actions in the region and beyond.
3. Promote dialogue between youth, civil society and research organizations and international projects..
4. Highlight events in the social networks of partners to ensure greater visibility and opportunities for interregional cooperation.

Beneficiaries

Young professionals from Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, and Mongolia (aged 18 to 40). The participation of women is especially encouraged to promote gender balance.

Expected / Actual Project Outcomes

1. Promote nature-based solutions by committing to ensuring water availability and quality in the Aral Sea basin and beyond.
2. Exchange knowledge and experiences to enhance the impact of local youth action in the fight for water.
3. Engage young experts in civil society.
4. Raise awareness in the media about the situation in the Aral Sea basin.

• Aral Summer School 2019 + ESERA Project 2019
• Aral Summer School 2020 + ESERA Project 2020
• Aral Summer School 2021 + ESERA Project 2021
• Aral Summer School 2022
• Aral Summer School 2023
• Aral Summer School 2024

14–22 August 2026

Kazakh-German University (DKU),
Aral Sea Region

The Summer School is based on interactive thematic lectures and working sessions aimed at fostering intergenerational dialogue and strengthening participants’ capacities.

Field trips across the Aral Sea basin provide participants with the opportunity to engage with local communities and civil society, forming an essential part of experience exchange and the sharing of traditional knowledge.

Concept of the 7th Aral Sea Summer School 2026 (in development)

IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, GIZ / Federal Foreign Office of Germany, Green Central Asia, Executive Directorate of IFAS in Kazakhstan, Barsakelmes State Nature Reserve

Applications for the 2026 Summer School are open until 15 June 2026

--> Application form

Project coordinator: Maira Kussainova

kussainova@dku.kz | +7 727 355 05 51 (ext. 337, 334)

Project Assistant: Zhanar Raimbekova

raimbekova@dku.kz | +7 727 355 05 51 (ext. 237)