The Sievers Apple Tree — Natural Heritage and Our Responsibility — KazNU

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The Sievers Apple Tree — Natural Heritage and Our Responsibility

13 April 2026
The Sievers Apple Tree — Natural Heritage and Our Responsibility

As part of the teaching practice, first-year master’s students of the UNESCO Chair for Sustainable Development, R.A. Mussagalieva and S.S. Kadir, conducted an educational event dedicated to the conservation of the Sievers apple tree — a unique natural heritage of Kazakhstan and a crucial source of genetic diversity for modern apple varieties.


The restoration and conservation of the Sievers apple tree is one of the key areas of activity of the Central Asian-German Institute for the protection of Ecosystems and Biodiversity.

The event was held in an interactive format. At the beginning, students were presented with a presentation covering the origin of the Sievers apple tree, its ecological significance, as well as current threats associated with the reduction of its natural habitats. Special attention was paid to the role of this species in global agrobiodiversity and the necessity of its conservation.


In the second part, participants watched a thematic video that visually demonstrated the natural habitats of the apple tree and introduced practical measures for its protection. The video helped deepen understanding of the issue and stimulated active discussion among students.

In addition, the connection between this topic and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was discussed during the session. Students noted that the conservation of the Sieversapple tree is directly linked to SDG 13 “Climate Action” and SDG 15 “Life on Land.” Participants emphasized that protecting natural ecosystems, restoring forests, and preserving biodiversity are essential steps in addressing climate change and environmental degradation.


The final stage was an educational quiz, during which participants were able to test their knowledge and reinforce the material in a game-based format. This approach enhanced student engagement and fostered interest in environmental protection issues.

The event highlighted the importance of careful attitude toward natural heritage and the personal responsibility of everyone for its preservation. The Sievers apple tree is not only a symbol of Kazakhstan’s natural wealth but also a valuable asset that must be preserved for future generations.