On November 5, 2025, AlmaU students participated in a large-scale environmental initiative to plant black saxaul trees on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea.
The initiative was organized by the Executive Directorate of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) and Freedom Bank, with the support of the Aral State Forestry and Wildlife Protection Authority.
A total of 18,000 black saxaul saplings were planted across an area of 60 hectares. These trees play a vital role in combating desertification and restoring the region’s ecological balance.
The participation of AlmaU students in this initiative reflects the University’s Third Mission—contributing to the sustainable development of society, engaging young people in socially significant initiatives, and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
By joining the project to restore the Aral Sea region’s ecosystem, the students made a meaningful contribution to improving the environmental situation and preserving Kazakhstan’s natural heritage.
“Taking part in the restoration and protection of the Aral ecosystem is an important mission for each of us. Salt rising from the dried seabed poses a serious threat to both people and the environment. We are proud to be part of this initiative, even if it means planting just one saxaul tree, and we believe that every such action contributes to the recovery of the region. AlmaU consistently supports environmental initiatives as part of its Third Mission. In 2024, the University also organized a similar environmental campaign,” said Aituar Kassymkhanov, a third-year AlmaU student.
The official launch of the campaign brought together representatives of government authorities, the banking sector, public organizations, and educational institutions. Welcome remarks were delivered by:
- a representative of the Aral District Akimat;
- Musilim Zhiyenbayev, representative of the Executive Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS);
- Aidos Zhetpisbay, Head of the Kyzylorda Branch of Freedom Bank Kazakhstan;
- Yerkebay Galymzhan, Head of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of the Kyzylorda Region;
- Moldir Valiyeva, Head of the South-Eastern Regional Branch of the Republican Forest Breeding and Seed Center;
- Ainur Rysbayeva, Chairperson of the Public Association Turan Oypaty – Aral Sea.
The initiative was also supported by representatives of government agencies and public organizations, including Freedom Bank Kazakhstan, the Aral State Institution for Forest and Wildlife Protection, the Barsakelmes State Nature Reserve, regional branches of the Republican Forest Breeding and Seed Center, as well as the public associations Aral Tenizi and Turan Oypaty – Aral Sea.
The environmental campaign held along the shores of the former Aral Sea marked an important step toward restoring the region’s ecological balance.
The participation of AlmaU students reflects a strong sense of civic responsibility and the commitment of the younger generation to making a tangible contribution to building a more environmentally sustainable future for Kazakhstan.