91��ý

On June 18–19, 2026, faculty members of the Department of Recreational Geography and Tourism, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Sciences, 91��ý Kazakh National University, participated in the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Conservation and Sustainable Development of Eurasian Mountain Ecosystems”, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park. The event was held at the Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort and brought together leading researchers, environmental specialists, representatives of government agencies, national parks, and international organizations.

The Department was represented by Professor Aliya Sagindykovna Aktymbayeva, Candidate of Geographical Sciences; Associate Professor Alexander Mikhailovich Artemyev, Candidate of Technical Sciences; Ruslan Muratovich Baiburiyev, PhD, Acting Associate Professor and Head of the Department; and first-year doctoral student Diana Dospulatova.

During the conference sessions, participants discussed current issues related to biodiversity conservation in mountain regions, sustainable ecotourism development, balancing nature conservation with tourism activities in protected areas, and the resilience of mountain ecosystems under conditions of global climate change.

On the second day of the conference, the KazNU delegation took part in ceremonial events organized at the Turgen branch of the Ile-Alatau National Park. Participants attended the official opening of a new Visitor Center designed to enhance environmental education and improve visitor services. They also joined the inauguration of the Sievers Apple Interpretive Trail, a scientific and educational eco-trail dedicated to the wild ancestor of all cultivated apple varieties worldwide. The new trail is expected to become an important platform for environmental awareness, scientific research, and the promotion of sustainable ecotourism in the region.

               Participation in the conference provided KazNU researchers with an excellent opportunity to strengthen scientific cooperation, exchange professional experience, and present their research findings on sustainable tourism and the conservation of mountain ecosystems.

Following the conference, the participants emphasized the importance of further developing interdisciplinary research aimed at preserving Eurasia’s natural heritage and ensuring the sustainable use of recreational resources in mountain regions.