Новые знания и международный обмен: ОФ «САМР Алатоо» в летней школе молодых пастбищных животноводов

New Knowledge and International Exchange: CAMP Alatoo PF Specialists at the Summer School for Young Pastoralists

Specialists from the PF “CAMP Alatoo” participated in the Interregional Summer School for Young Pastoralists, held in Kyrgyzstan from 12 to 18 July 2026 within the framework of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026. The event was organized with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The Summer School brought together more than 50 young experts, researchers, and representatives of local communities from Central Asian and African countries. Over the course of one week, participants worked in Bishkek, the Suusamyr Valley, Son-Kul, and Issyk-Kul, exploring modern and traditional approaches to sustainable pasture management, climate change adaptation, and natural resource conservation.

In Kyrgyzstan, rangelands are facing increasing pressure due to climate change, land degradation, and growing livestock numbers. At the same time, the condition of pastures affects not only livestock development and the well-being of rural communities but also biodiversity conservation, water resource protection, and carbon storage in ecosystems. Therefore, sustainable rangeland management is essential for preserving natural resources and strengthening the resilience of rural communities.

The Summer School programme included theoretical sessions, lectures, discussions, and field visits. During practical sessions, participants learned about methods for assessing and monitoring pasture conditions, explored the application of digital technologies, including GPS, drones, and mobile data collection tools, and exchanged experiences with representatives of local pasture communities.

Special attention was given to combining the traditional knowledge of nomadic peoples with modern approaches to natural resource management. Participants visited the high-altitude pastures of Son-Kul, where they learned about livestock management practices of local farmers and herders, as well as approaches to pasture conservation and restoration.

Participation of CAMP Alatoo PF specialists in the Summer School provided an opportunity to learn from international experience, establish professional connections with young leaders from different countries, and gain new knowledge that will be applied in further work on sustainable management of Kyrgyzstan’s pasture ecosystems.

Photo by FAO.