On 17 april, a training seminar on the topic “The Role of Forest Cover in Improving Watershed Management” was held in Almaty. It was organized by the International Water Management Institute in Central Asia (IWMI-CA) with the participation of the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC). The event was held within the framework of the project “Improving Forest Fire Risk Management and Watershed Resilience in Central Asia and Pakistan”, with the support of the US Forest Service.

The workshop was a response to growing concerns among experts and governments about the increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires, exacerbated by climate change, aridity and land degradation. With limited water resources, rapidly growing populations and increasing pressure on ecosystems, Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, are faced with the need to rethink approaches to natural resource management. According to the latest climate models, temperatures in the region could rise by more than 2.5°C by 2050, leading to longer droughts, reduced river flow, increased soil erosion and increased fire risk in forest and steppe ecosystems.

Representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Fire Service Committee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, national parks, scientific institutions, international organizations and independent experts took part in the seminar. The importance of the event is that it brought together stakeholders from various sectors – forestry, water, emergency and scientific – with the aim of developing coordinated approaches to increasing the sustainability of ecosystems and communities.

During the workshop, participants discussed the key role of forest cover in maintaining healthy watersheds, including its ability to prevent erosion and land degradation, retain moisture, and regulate surface runoff. Particular attention was paid to the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies into the forest fire monitoring system, which allows for the rapid detection of fires and timely response measures. Modern methods of early fire detection were also discussed, including the use of satellite data, drones, and automated warning systems.

“Forests and watersheds are a single, interconnected ecosystem. Today, in the context of climate change, our task is not just to respond to the consequences, but to anticipate and prevent threats. CAREC actively supports the countries of the region in strengthening the sustainability of natural landscapes and developing integrated solutions to prevent forest fires. We are convinced that only through partnership, scientific data and sustainable planning can we ensure the safety of water resources and the well-being of future generations,” says Yerlan Zhumabayev, Director of the CAREC Country Office in Kazakhstan. .

Particular attention was paid to the need for a comprehensive interdepartmental approach to risk management: only through interaction between the forestry service, water sector, environmental and emergency agencies can sustainable results be achieved. Opportunities for incorporating climate and gender aspects into strategic planning were also discussed, with an emphasis on women’s participation in natural resource management and the adaptation of vulnerable groups to changing environmental conditions.

The off-site part of the seminar took place in the Alma-Arasan gorge, where participants learned about the conservation practices of the Ile-Alatau State National Park. On-site discussions allowed visualizing the relationship between forest cover and water resources and exchanging opinions on practical measures to prevent fires and restore degraded areas.

The workshop was an important step towards creating sustainable mechanisms for forest fire risk assessment and prevention, strengthening interstate cooperation and introducing best environmental practices in Central Asia and Pakistan.

Additional information:

Erlan Zhumabaev  – Director of the CAREC Country Office in the Republic of Kazakhstan,  kazakhstan@ca