ALMA-KIKA PROJECT WORKING GROUP: BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF WILD SIEVERS APPLES

February 27, 2025, Almaty – A coordination meeting of the ALMA-KIKA project working group was held at the office of the Institute of Green and Sustainable Development of the Kazakh National Agrarian University (KazNARU). Representatives of various organizations, including project participants, the Faculty of Geography and Nature Management of Al-Farabi KazNU and the KazGIEB Institute, gathered under the chairmanship of Vice-Rector for International Relations, Rafis Abazov.

The main issues on the agenda concerned the renewal of the working group, the current status and promotion of the ALMA-KIKA project, as well as preparations for the conference "Green Business: Sustainable Solutions for Climate Protection and Economic Growth". The meeting participants discussed the importance of biodiversity conservation and agreed on events, including "Apple Weeks", aimed at raising awareness and engaging the public.

The key moment was the approval of the roadmap of events for 2025. The plans include participation in the "Aport Mall" Vostok event and holding a large-scale event, Apple Week, in April 2025 with the participation of partners from Al-Farabi KazNU and the"Almaly Zhumak" Foundation. It is also planned to prepare visual materials and reports on the project to convey information about its significance to a wider audience.

The ALMA-KIKA project is aimed at sustainable management of local resources and the preservation of ancient apple varieties in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The meeting participants emphasized the need to continue efforts in this area to enhance the scientific prestige and protect the unique natural heritage of the region, which is important for future generations.