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On June 5, 2026, the World Environment Day (Ecologist’s Day), a round table titled “Living Planet: Biodiversity Conservation as the Basis for a Sustainable Future” was held at the library of 91��ý Kazakh National University. The event was organized by the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development and the Central Asian–German Institute for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences and brought together representatives of government bodies, research institutes, environmental organizations, scientists, faculty members, and students.

The aim of the round table was to discuss pressing issues of biodiversity conservation, exchange scientific and practical experience, and enhance environmental culture among young people. Holding the event within the framework of Ecologist’s Day particularly highlighted the relevance of the environmental agenda and the importance of responsible attitude toward nature.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Aliya Aktymbayeva, who emphasized the importance of consolidating the efforts of science, education, and society in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
 

A presentation by Bakytgul Kasymetova, representative of the Public Development Center of the Public Development Department of Almaty, introduced the environmental project “Clean City” and addressed issues of forming environmentally responsible behavior and youth participation in urban environmental initiatives.

Particular attention was given to reports dedicated to the conservation of rare and unique species of Kazakhstan’s flora and fauna. Senior researcher Aizhamal Shormanova presented research results on the conservation of rare and endangered tulip species, emphasizing that wild tulips are an important part of Kazakhstan’s natural and cultural heritage and require special protection.

Senior researcher of the Almaty State Nature Reserve, Amanbol Sailaukhanuly, presented a report on the snow leopard—one of the symbols of Kazakhstan’s wildlife—sharing results of population monitoring and modern conservation approaches.
 

             Academic Secretary of the Institute of Zoology, Gulzhanat Tanabekova, highlighted the importance of preserving genetic resources of wild fruit plants. Her report focused on the Sievers apple tree, a unique wild species considered the ancestor of most modern apple varieties worldwide, emphasizing its global significance.

The Head of the Department for Interaction with the Scientific and Educational Community of Almaty, Bakytkul Tekhnikovna, prepared engaging questions for students, enabling them to demonstrate their curiosity and creativity. In their speeches, Project Coordinator of “Clean City” Almaz Alimzhanov and Senior Specialist of the same department in Almaty, Mayya Abissatova, emphasized the importance of involving youth in environmental initiatives, particularly within the framework of the “Taza Qazaqstan” program.

Тhe motivational component of the program included presentations by students, master’s and doctoral students of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development—winners and prize-winners of international environmental competitions. The EcoNomads KZ team shared their experience of participating in the finals of the Anthropocene Case Competition 2026 (Hungary), where they successfully represented Kazakhstan at the international level. Winners of the XV International Environmental Olympiad among CIS universities (Belarus) shared their experience, competition stages, and achievements, worthily representing KazNU internationally. These presentations demonstrated the high level of student training and their active involvement in addressing global environmental challenges.

The round table became an effective platform for professional dialogue between scientists, experts, government representatives, and youth. Participants emphasized the need for further development of scientific research, environmental education, and international cooperation in biodiversity conservation as an essential condition for achieving sustainable development goals.