ALMA-KIKA Project Working Group: Biodiversity Protection and Conservation of Wild Sievers Apple Trees April 15, 2025, Almaty

A coordination meeting of the ALMA-KIKA project working group was held in a hybrid format at the office of the Institute of Green and Sustainable Development of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU).

Chaired by Dr. Rafis Abazov, Vice-Rector for International Relations of KazNARU, the meeting was attended by representatives of various partner organizations of the project, including faculty members from the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Management of Al-Farabi KazNU, staff of the KazGIEB Institute, as well as ALMA-KIKA project coordinators and experts.

The agenda included the following key issues:

1. Appointment of the new Director of the KazGIEB Institute (Kazakh-German Institute for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Protection) at KazNARU;
2. Discussion of the current status of the project and preparation for the upcoming workshop;
3. Planning a field trip to Ile-Alatau National Park for an offsite seminar and tree planting;
4. Exploring prospects for expanding cooperation between universities and partner organizations.

During the meeting, Dr. Rafis Abazov introduced the new Director of the KazGIEB Institute – Ms. Kozhabekova Ardak Zhaketaevna.

Participants emphasized the importance of joint efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect wild apple varieties. Several initiatives were agreed upon, including the "Apple Week" campaign, aimed at raising public awareness and encouraging youth engagement.

A key outcome of the meeting was the approval of the project roadmap for 2025, which includes:

• Participation in the event at Aport Mall Vostok;
• Organization of a large-scale "Apple Week" event in April 2025 with the involvement of partners from Al-Farabi KazNU and the "Almaly Zhumak" Foundation;
• Preparation of visual and informational materials on the project’s progress and outcomes.

The ALMA-KIKA project is aimed at the sustainable management of natural resources and the preservation of ancient apple varieties in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Participants highlighted the importance of continuing both scientific and practical efforts in this area, which contributes to preserving the region’s unique natural heritage for future generations and strengthening the country’s scientific reputation.