Школьные учителя Иссык-Кульской области побывали с экскурсией в микрозаповеднике «Куштар»

Teachers from Issyk-Kul Region Visited the “Kushtar” Micro-Reserve

Geography and biology teachers, as well as education methodologists from Ton, Tyup, Ak-Suu, and Jeti-Oguz districts of Issyk-Kul region, visited the “Kushtar” wetland micro-reserve located along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The event was organized by the CAMP Alatoo РF within the “Environmental Education” component of the project Adaptation of Mammals to Climate Change in Central Asia (САМСА), implemented with the support of IKI-UNEP.

One of the key focuses of the micro-reserve’s work is birdwatching. The observation tower and hides, from which visitors can see various bird species, are part of the eco-trail. The trail was created by local community activists from “Kushtar,” together with volunteers and specialists from the CAMP Alatoo РF. The teachers walked along the eco-trail and had the opportunity to observe birds through binoculars and spotting scopes, since the muddy coastal zone and birdwatching rules do not allow approaching the lake shore. On a clear, sunny day, they observed swans, ducks, and grey herons.

“Our community ‘Kushtar’ protects a five-hectare area of land that serves as a habitat for nearly 50 bird species. Together with ornithologists, we have installed artificial nests on the water and built small islands on land so that birds can overwinter and breed,” said Gulmira Kashkoroeva, an activist from the “Kushtar” community.

During the visit, teachers engaged in discussions with community members and CAMP Alatoo PF specialists, learning about the organization and operation of the micro-reserve, as well as exploring the possibility of holding open lessons and student visits.

“I had a wonderful impression of this place. Students who come here can see that caring for nature is not just words but real actions that bring tangible benefits. Here they can learn why it is so important to protect water, plants, and animals,” shared teacher Alisa Kuseinova.

At the end of the visit, the teachers received maps of the Ak-Ilbirs ecological corridor and posters featuring images of wild animals to use in their lessons and extracurricular activities.

Participants noted that such experiences make environmental education more vivid and engaging — by seeing nature with their own eyes, teachers can better inspire their students to protect it.