SDG 15 and Native Planting Strategies within the "ARALAP" Project
On April 19, 2026, as part of her pedagogical practice, Ayaulym B. Mukhametkali, a 1st-year Master’s student in Zoology, conducted an impactful advisory hour for 2nd-year students of the "6B05110–Zoology" program. This group is under the primary academic guidance of advisor Sayat E. Sharakhmetov. The event focused on the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15): "Life on Land," emphasizing the restoration of biodiversity through professional environmental action.
As a core part of the advisory hour, practical activities were conducted within the framework of the "ARALAP" volunteer project, focusing on native plantings to support pollinator populations. Under the leadership of the Master’s student, participants performed the planting of specialized native wildflower beds on the Narxoz University campus. This initiative is a vital step in restoring urban ecosystems using indigenous plants. Pollinators are essential components of ecosystem health; however, their populations are declining rapidly due to habitat loss. Creating habitats with native species is a direct contribution to SDG 15, which calls for halting biodiversity loss.
Students actively participated in the project as volunteers, planting a variety of wild, native plants, including Clover (Trifolium), Oregano (Origanum), Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis), Viper's Bugloss (Echium), and Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium). These species were selected for their ability to provide nectar and essential habitat for wild bees and other pollinating insects. For their contribution, the participants were awarded official certificates and earned registered volunteer hours. The Master’s student emphasized that such initiatives bridge the gap between academic education and environmental advocacy. The advisory hour concluded with a reflection on how native planting and individual volunteer efforts lead to significant ecological changes. By participating in the "ARALAP" project, students demonstrated their commitment to protecting the planet's diverse ecosystems.
Department of Zoology, Histology, and Cytology
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