An International scientific and practical conference on the topic "Protection of the Biological Diversity of Central Asia: Problems and Prospects", was held at the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (GazMU) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, on November 6-8, 2025. The event is dedicated to discussing the issues of ecosystem sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation in the Central Asian region.

   It should be noted that, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education Institutions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This University is recognized as one of the leading Universities in Central Asia in the QS World University Rankings and other international rankings. The conference was attended by the Director General of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Corresponding Member of ANAS, Professor Alovsat Guliyev, and the Head of the Soil Reclamation Laboratory, Doctor of Agrarian Sciences Mustafa Mustafayev.

   Professor Alovsat Guliyev delivered a report at the conference on the topic "The eco-ameliorative state of Azerbaijani lands after the collapse of the Soviet Union and ways to regulate it." During the presentation, scientific discussions were held on the problem of water shortage in Central Asia, the impact of climate change on water resources, and ways to restore ancient irrigation systems in the modern era.

   At the same time, the scientist made a speech on the topic "Hydraulic Heritage: Kehris and Landscape Dynamics in the Liberated Territories of Karabakh", and provided information on the technical condition of  Kahriz in the liberated territories of Karabakh, their restoration potential, the results of hydrogeological studies conducted, as well as the important role of Kahriz in the sustainable management of water and soil resources. Also, a comparative scientific approach is presented with similar problems of wing systems in Central Asia and their restoration practices.

   The Azerbaijani delegation also actively participated in the "Environmental Education and Awareness in the Protection of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services" section of the conference. In the section moderated by Doctor of Agricultural Sciences Mustafa Mustafayev, scientific discussions were held on the topic "Current reclamation status of irrigated lands of the Kur-Araz lowland and ways to improve it" with the participation of Professor Alovsat Guliyev, A.S. Aktymbayeva, Z.A. Tukenova, T.A. Bazarbayeva and F.M. Mustafayev.

   The event was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kazakh National University, Rector Janseit Tuymebayev, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Almaty Matthias Lecherer, Vice President of the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan Tillohuja Ibodzoda, Executive Director of NETSCI GmbH Matthias Kramer, as well as more than 100 well-known scientists and young researchers from 15 countries. During the sessions, issues of biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of ecosystems, and adaptation to climate change were discussed. The conference was considered an important scientific platform for strengthening environmental security and regional cooperation in Central Asia.

   As part of the conference, the opening ceremony of the new "Central Asian-German Institute for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation" also took place at the university. The aim of establishing the Institute is to support scientifically based initiatives aimed at developing ecological sciences in the region, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems, and protecting biological diversity.

   A meeting was also held between the rector of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Professor Jansayit Tuymabayev, and the director general of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Republic of Azerbaijan, corresponding member of ANAS, Professor Alovsat Guliyev. The meeting discussed the further development of existing cooperative relations between the two scientific institutions, the expansion of joint scientific projects, and the deepening of cooperation in the field of specialist training.

   Professor Alovsat Guliyev said during the meeting that: An employee of the İnstitute, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences -Mustafa Mustafayev is participating in an İnternational grant project on the topic "Sustainable development of natural-economic and socio-economic systems in the context of green development of the West Kazakhstan region: complex analysis, concept, forecast assessment and scenarios."

   Successful scientific cooperation has been underway for several years between Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Within the framework of this cooperation, significant achievements have been achieved in conducting scientific research, organizing advanced training programs, and exchanging experience.

   Over the past 3 years, 5 University employees have participated in advanced training programs at the institute, further improving their knowledge and skills in the fields of soil science, agrochemistry, and ecological analysis. Currently, the parties plan to further expand this cooperation and continue new training and internship programs. In the coming years, this cooperation aims to increase internship opportunities for doctoral students and young researchers, as well as strengthen joint participation in international projects.

   The meeting was held in an atmosphere of fruitful exchange of views and ended with a positive result. Rector Jansayit Tuymabayev gave relevant instructions for further expansion of scientific cooperation in the future, and an agreement was reached on the implementation of new joint scientific projects and deepening of mutual cooperation. The rector was presented with the English version of the books "Azerbaijani Kahrizleri" and "Chukhurdare Lakes and the Former Iodine Bromine Plant", as well as a book published on the occasion of the "80th anniversary" of the Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry. The parties agreed to implement new joint scientific projects and deepen mutual cooperation.

   Later, at the invitation of the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Professor Alovsat Guliyev held a "master class" for students. The scientist informed young researchers about modern directions in soil science and ecosystem restoration.

   During the lesson, Professor Alovsat Guliyev noted that, inefficient water management and a centralized planning system left over from the Soviet era have caused serious environmental problems in the region's agriculture.

   According to him, these approaches are still ongoing in some regions. The scientist emphasized that, the application of ecological approaches based on a modern legislative framework and the creation of a comprehensive ecological monitoring system in the region are one of the main conditions for sustainable development.

   Within the framework of the conference, scientists got acquainted with the Al-Farabi Scientific Library, the Almaty Botanical Garden and the Almaty State Nature Reserve. In the reserve, which was created on an area of ​​​​about 1 million hectares, the guests got acquainted with exhibits reflecting rare plant and animal species of the Zaili Alatau range. Finally, the scientists demonstrated their support for ecological solidarity by participating in a tree-planting campaign in the city of Talgar.

   The campaign emphasized the importance of environmental awareness, involving young people in the process of nature conservation, and ecological partnership.

   At a roundtable meeting held on the same day, issues of biodiversity protection, expanding ecological partnerships, and strengthening regional cooperation were discussed with experts from Central Asian countries.