NEW SEEDLINGS OF SIEVERS APPLE TREE PLANTED

On April 21, 2025, the ALMA-KIKA project team, together with staff from the International Office, carried out a tree planting event in the Turgen branch of the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park as part of the nationwide environmental campaign "Clean Kazakhstan." More than 100 seedlings of the Sievers apple tree were planted during the initiative.

The event saw active participation from university scientists, students, and international learners under the leadership of Ardak Kozhabekova, Director of the Kazakh-German Institute for Ecosystems and Biodiversity Conservation.

"The main goal of this meaningful campaign, held under the national initiative 'Clean Kazakhstan,' is to contribute to improving the ecological situation in the country, preserve our national natural heritage, and raise awareness of environmental responsibility. Additionally, by planting new Sievers apple tree seedlings, we aim to expand our apple orchards," noted Ardak Zhaketaykyzy.

Today, the ALMA-KIKA project team is actively working to protect the biological diversity of the Sievers apple tree, restore its population through the study of new varieties, domesticate, and preserve the species.

The Sievers apple tree is one of the most ancient wild apple species, which appeared on the territory of our country thousands of years ago and is considered the ancestor of all cultivated apple varieties in the world.

This is why Kazakhstan is recognized as the homeland of all apples.
Recent genetic research confirms that the global center of origin of the Sievers apple tree is the Zhetysu region, at the foothills of the Alatau mountains. Experts in the field of plant science note that the Sievers apple, due to its exceptional quality, is becoming increasingly attractive for investment.

We wish success to all participants and supporters of this shared mission — to protect, preserve, and enhance nature — and we express our gratitude to everyone who provided the seedlings for this event!