Development of Master curricula in EcoInformatics for the impact on the Aral Sea basinFarabi University

Project Title: Development of Master curricula in EcoInformatics for the impact on the Aral Sea basin

Acronym: MECAS

Registration Number: 101237042

Implementation Period: 01.11.2026 – 31.10.2028

Project Objective

To enhance the capacity of universities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the field of environmental monitoring and natural resource management in the Aral Sea basin, especially under the conditions of the ecological crisis caused by its drying.

Project Tasks

Development and implementation of an innovative Master’s program (Ecoinformatics)
- Creation of a modern academic course in ecoinformatics aligned with EU standards and national policies.
- Focus on sustainable development and integration of advanced practices.
Enhancement of students’ competencies and skills
- Development of professional knowledge in ecology and sustainable development.
- Improvement of technical skills, including the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and digital technologies.
- Increasing graduates’ competitiveness in the labor market.
Strengthening the material and technical base of universities
- Introduction of new technologies and methods, including GIS and other digital tools.
- Development and integration of ecoinformatics into the educational process.
Development of cooperation between partners
- Establishment of strong scientific and academic links between EU, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan universities.
- Cooperation with government bodies, businesses, and NGOs for joint environmental and educational projects.
Support for the transition to a “green economy”
- Introduction of innovative solutions in ecology and sustainable use of natural resources.
- Contribution to the sustainable development of the Aral Sea region.

Project Website:

Project Consortium

University / Organization	Country
Nukus State Technical University	Uzbekistan
Polytechnic University of Turin	Italy
University of Beira Interior	Portugal
OBREAL Global Observatory	Spain
Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers	Uzbekistan
Urgench State University named after Al-Khwarizmi	Uzbekistan
91传媒 Kazakh National University	Kazakhstan
Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda State University	Kazakhstan
ECOSERVICE-S LLP	Kazakhstan
Institute of Geography and Water Security	Kazakhstan
Aral-Syrdarya Basin Inspection	Kazakhstan
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Karakalpakstan	Uzbekistan
Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Karakalpakstan	Uzbekistan
Union for the Protection of the Aral Sea and the Amu Darya River	Uzbekistan

Target Groups and Expected Results

1. Teachers and researchers — Improving qualifications in ecoinformatics, environmental monitoring and natural resource management.

2. Master’s students — Acquisition of modern professional competencies in the field of ecoinformatics and sustainable development.

3. Educational institutions — Modernization of laboratories and strengthening of material and technical base.

4. Government bodies, enterprises and NGOs — Development of partnerships and support for the transition to a green economy in the Aral Sea region.

Main Results

Improved competencies of teachers and researchers, mastery of modern digital tools (GIS, etc.).
Development and implementation of the new Master’s program “Ecoinformatics”.
Creation and modernization of educational and research laboratories.
Strengthening international academic cooperation and sustainable networks.
Contribution to the development of a green economy and sustainable development of the Aral Sea region.