On March 7, two sessions featuring experts from the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) took place at CEU within the OSUN Online Course "Earth Observations in Monitoring Sustainable Development Goals" and OSUN Network Collaborative Course "Introduction to Geospatial Analysis". The lectures, focused on sustainable pasture management and the unique nomadic traditions of the Kyrgyz people, provided students with invaluable insights into the environmental and cultural complexities of Central Asia.
The day's presentations, began with Kanat Sultanaliev, Executive Director of the Tian Shan Policy Center at AUCA, addressing the critical role of geospatial technologies in pasture management within Kyrgyzstan. Sultanaliev highlighted the country's heavy reliance on pastures due to its mountainous landscape and limited natural resources. He emphasized the growing concern of land degradation resulting from increased livestock and discussed how tools offered by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, utilizing indicators like land cover, productivity, and soil carbon, can be vital in monitoring and mitigating this issue.
Following Sultanaliev, Daniyar Karabaev, Chair and Assistant Professor at AUCA, provided a historical and cultural perspective on the "Sustainable Nomad Lifestyle and Pasture Management among the Kyrgyzs of Eastern Pamir, Tajikistan". Karabaev, a linguist and cultural historian, traced the history of nomadism in the region, illustrating how the Kyrgyz have maintained a sustainable way of life through their seasonal migration patterns. He also delved into the social structures that underpin this lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while seeking innovative solutions to support contemporary pasture management and improve the livelihoods of the Kyrgyz nomads.
The visit from AUCA to CEU was focused on blending the application of geospatial technologies with cultural understanding. The event provided students with a deeper understanding of the intersection between culture, environment, and sustainability, highlighting the importance of collaborative learning and the integration of diverse perspectives in addressing global challenges.