Педагоги школ пилотных территорий проекта САМСА изучили пути сохранения пастбищ и биоразнообразия

Teachers from schools in CAMСA pilot areas explored ways to conserve rangelands and biodiversity

On November 21 and 22, 2024, training sessions for biology and geography teachers were held in Issyk-Kul Oblast. The training was organized by the CAMP Alatoo PF, which conducted the workshops for educators from the Ton, Ak-Suu, and Jeti-Oguz districts in Issyk-Kul Oblast, as well as Naryn District in Naryn Oblast.

During the training, teachers explored the role of rangelands in maintaining ecosystems, the impact of human activities and climatic factors on rangelands and migratory species, as well as methods for determining sustainable grazing pressure, considering local geographic and climatic conditions.

The primary focus of the training was the conservation of migratory mammals through sustainable rangeland management. To address this important topic, the trainers used an interactive format. Teachers were invited to participate in a simulation game called “Pasture Management,” developed by specialists from the CAMP Alatoo PF.

The game allowed participants to engage in decision-making processes related to the rational use of natural resources and to learn about key aspects of sustainable rangeland management. During the game, participants assumed the roles of farmers managing seasonal pastures, livestock, and a small initial capital. In this scenario, they had to improve their farms while preserving nature. To achieve this, players sought to develop alternative sources of income to livestock, such as dairy production, beekeeping, medicinal herb gathering, and other initiatives. Attention was also given to collective efforts, such as improving rangeland infrastructure, organizing veterinary services, and training shepherds.

The game helped participants visually understand how overgrazing can lead to rangeland degradation and highlighted the importance of finding sustainable solutions for ecosystem conservation.

The use of methods such as brainstorming, discussions, and presentations allowed the teachers to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of rangelands as a vital natural resource, not only for local communities but also for biodiversity conservation.

The training marked an important step in increasing the environmental literacy of teachers and integrating the principles of sustainable rangeland management into the educational process.

The CAMCA project is an initiative aimed at preserving key migratory mammal species in Central Asia. The main goal of the project is to implement management and decision-making approaches considering climate change. The project is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is funded under the International Climate Initiative.