Almaty, Kazakhstan, September 12, 2024 – The fourth day of the 14th Central Asian Leadership Program on Environment for Sustainable Development (CALP) focused on practical training and included a field trip to key sites related to disaster risk management in Kazakhstan.
The morning began with a visit to the Center for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction where participants learned about the main threats in the region and how to prevent them. During the thematic lecture, topical issues of emergency management in Central Asia were highlighted. The participants discussed the region’s experience in dealing with natural disasters and possible ways to improve preparedness.
After that, the group went to the government entity “Kazselezaschita” of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Excursion to this key institution allowed to familiarize with the work of the service responsible for protection from mudflows, which are one of the main threats to mountainous regions of the country.
The next stop was the debris-holding Ayusay Dam, where participants were told about the important role of the dam in disaster protection. Special emphasis was placed on how engineering structures help minimize the effects of natural hazards on local communities.
The field trip ended at the Big Almaty Lake, which also plays an important role in the water supply and ecosystem of the region. The experts gave a lecture on the importance of the lake for sustainable water use, as well as its role in water management under climate change.
The field trip gave the participants a unique opportunity to see in practice the work of key facilities related to disaster risk management and exchange views on further development of security infrastructure in Central Asia.
14th CALP is organized by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) in cooperation with the Swiss Initiative Blue Peace Central Asia, the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, GIZ.
Additional information:
Valeria Orlova, Manager of the Education for Sustainable Development Program of CAREC, esd@carececo.com
