Javier Rodrigo

New publication: Flood Modelling of the Zhabay River Basin Under Climate Change Conditions

February 16, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

A new research paper, “Flood Modelling of the Zhabay River Basin Under Climate Change Conditions” has been published in the JCR and Scopus-indexed HYDROLOGY journal. The full version of the manuscript can be downloaded for free here.

This work has been leaded by Aliya Nurbatsina (Institute of Geography and Water Security, Almaty, Kazakhstan), in cooperation with researchers from the Al Farabi Kazakh National University, and the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain), among other institutions. This study applies the Soil and Water Integrated Model (SWIM) to project climate-driven changes in the hydrological regime of the Zhabay River.

The study employs a process-based, high-resolution hydrological model to simulate flood dynamics under future climate conditions.The outcomes of this study offer crucial insights for policymakers, hydrologists, and disaster management agencies in mitigating the adverse effects of climate-induced hydrological extremes in Kazakhstan.

New publication: Assessing the Vulnerability of Lakes in Western Kazakhstan to Climate Change

December 27, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A new research paper, “Assessing the Vulnerability of Lakes in Western Kazakhstan to Climate Change and Anthropogenic Stressors” has been published in the JCR and Scopus-indexed Water journal. The full version of the manuscript can be downloaded for free here.

This work has been done in cooperation between researchers from the Institute of Geography and Water Security (Almaty, Kazakhstan) and the Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). This study, employing cartographic and remote sensing techniques, identified 323 lakes in Western Kazakhstan, covering a total area of 1944 km2. Comparative analysis with historical data from the 1960s and 1970s revealed a 23% decrease in lakes exceeding 1 km2.

The most significant decline was observed in the Atyrau and Mangystau Regions, where the number of such lakes diminished by a factor of three. These findings highlight the pressing need for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to water resource management in Western Kazakhstan.

Education Microcredentials

LESLIE participates in the 19th International Conference on Science, Technology and Education Policy held in Jiaxing (China)

December 25, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The objectives of LESLIE project have been introduced in the 19th International Conference on Science, Technology and Education Policy co-organized by Zheihang University, the Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zheihang University, and the Engineering Education Committee of the China Association of Higher Education.

The conference was held in Jiaxing (China) between 12-19 December 2024, and included an oral presentation by Prof. Luis Manuel Sánchez Ruiz (Universitat Politècnica de València) entitled “Recent interest for microcredentials complementing the traditional university degrees. An European transnational experience”.

The objectives and activities developed so far by the participants of the LESLIE project in Central Asia were explained to the participants who showed a great interest in knowing actual experiences in the design and implementation of microcredentials in HE institutions.

Environment Land Management

LESLIE Day at Kokshetau Ualikhanov University: inspiration, innovation, future

December 25, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

On the 18th of December at the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology of Kokshetau Ualikhanov University hosted a vibrant event: LESLIE Day, bringing together faculty members, students, and participants of the project LAND MANAGEMENT, ENVIRONMENT & SOLID-WASTE: INSIDE EDUCATION AND BUSINESS IN CENTRAL ASIA.
During the event, the local coordinator, I.B. Ostretsova, gave a detailed presentation on the project’s goals and objectives, emphasizing its importance for sustainable development and environmental preservation.

Project participants N.N. Nurmukhanbetova and K.S. Evloeva shared their presentations, showcasing the work accomplished and the results achieved.
The highlight of the event was the students’ presentations of their models, offering innovative solutions to environmental problems on pre-assigned topics. Their creative approaches and enthusiasm were truly inspiring!
The students shared that participating in such events not only expands their knowledge but also motivates them to contribute to environmental protection and the development of eco-friendly technologies.

#LESLIE #Sustainabledevelopment #Innovation #Future

Economy Hydrology Land Management Uncategorized

UNICAS leads two seminars about LESLIE in Kokshetau (Kazakhstan)

December 9, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

Prof. Alessandro Figus from the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (Italy) led two seminars at Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University to disseminate the objectives of the LESLIE project. Held on December 6, 2024, the workshops were attended by participants from the Faculty of Economy and the Department of Water Management.

During the seminars, Prof. Figus provided an in-depth overview of the LESLIE project, highlighting its primary goal of promoting sustainable land management practices. He also discussed the project’s specific objectives, such as developing innovative technologies, fostering international collaboration, and strengthening policy frameworks.

Furthermore, the seminars explored potential future actions and collaborations between the two universities. Participants were encouraged to actively engage with the LESLIE project and join the SLM International Hub, a global platform for knowledge sharing and networking.

If you are interested in joining the SLM International Hub, you can do it free of charge following this LINK.

Economy Environment Land Management

BINRM-TIIAME develops a technology to clean saline soil from harmful salts using biohumus

November 24, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management, led by Associate Professor Kamal Shukhratovich Khamrayev and his dedicated team, is at the forefront of agricultural innovation. The Institute is currently undertaking a groundbreaking project to develop a sustainable solution for cleaning saline soil and restoring its fertility. The core of this innovative approach lies in the utilization of biohumus, a natural organic fertilizer derived from the vermicomposting process. By applying biohumus to saline soil, the Institute aims to neutralize harmful salts and improve soil structure, ultimately enhancing crop productivity.

To validate the efficacy of this technique, the Institute has established a 20.4-hectare experimental area. This expansive site serves as a living laboratory for testing various agricultural practices.

Cotton Cultivation: A significant portion of the experimental area, spanning 5.5 hectares, is dedicated to cotton cultivation. Within this area, 1.0 hectare is being cultivated using biohumus, while another 3.5 hectares is being irrigated through a drip irrigation system.
Winter Wheat and Horticulture: The Institute has ambitious plans to cultivate winter wheat on 10.0 hectares of the experimental area. Additionally, the remaining land will be transformed into a productive garden, showcasing the versatility of biohumus-based soil remediation.

Through this pioneering project, the NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management is not only addressing the pressing issue of soil salinity but also promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. By harnessing the power of nature, the Institute is paving the way for a greener and more prosperous future for agricultural communities.

Climate Change Economy Environment Hydrogeology Hydrology Land Management Solid Waste

KAZNU organizes the international workshop “Development of micro-qualifications at the modern stage”

November 24, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi organized on November 21, 2024 a workshop about “Development of micro-qualifications at the modern stage”. The aim of the workshop is to create a dialogue platform to discuss and shed light on current trends in the development of micro-qualifications in sustainable development for implementation in universities in Central Asia.

The workshop was attended by L.K. Paluanova (Coordinator of the National Office of Erasmus+ in Kazakhstan); Professor J. Rodrigo-Ilarri (Coordinator of LESLIE project, Universitat Politècnica de València); Professor S.M. Omirbayev (First Vice-rector of Astana IT University); Professor N.N. Nurmukhanbetova (Professor of Ualikhanov University Kokshetau); M.A. Ramazanova (Representative of the RSD “Department of Ecology in Akmola region”, Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan); K. Akimbekova (Ecotrener, eco-activist, founder of Darmarka Almaty, member of the Recycle BIRGE team); Zh. Khaibullina (Project manager of United Central Asia Professionals – UCAP, youth wing of the Public Foundation “Water Partnership of Kazakhstan”; Professor R.N. Nurdillayeva (Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Akhmed Yasawi University, Turkestan), and A. Kadyrbayeva (Master of Natural Sciences in Ecology).

The results of the event allowed to identify relevant competencies for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals at universities and for employers by 2030; to explore the difficulties on developing micro-qualifications for sustainable management of land and natural resources, and to discuss about the integration of digital tools as support materials into undergraduate and graduate educational programs. The seminar was attended, both in onsite and online mode, by representatives of companies, teachers and staff of scientific institutions, undergraduates, doctoral students, and other interested persons.

Climate Change Economy Environment Hydrogeology Hydrology Land Management Solid Waste

LESLIE Newsletter #01 has been sent to the SLM Hub members

November 2, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

We are thrilled to announce that the first issue of the LESLIE Newsletter has been posted to the members of the SLM International Hub.

Our Newsletter is your one-stop shop for staying informed about LESLIE. Here’s what you can expect in future issues:

Updates on ongoing projects and research
Upcoming events and workshops
Insights from leading experts in sustainable land management
Opportunities for collaboration and engagement

All newsletters will be archived on our website for your reference.

We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to connecting with you through this newsletter!

Do not forget to join the SLM International Hub for free here

Climate Change Hydrology

KAZNU and UPV publish a joint research about the impact of reservoirs on the runoff of the Syrdarya river

September 8, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A scientific research entitled “Assessment of the reservoirs impact on the maximum runoff of the Syrdarya river” has just been published on the indexed-journal News of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Series of Geology and Technical Sciences.

This work has been done jointly by researchers from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, the Department of Water Resources and Melioration of the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, and the Research institute of Water Engineering and Environment of the Universitat Politècnica de València (IIAMA-UPV).

This article considers the changing of maximum runoff in the Syrdarya River basin under the influence of the large Shardara reservoir. Results obtained are useful for planning and conducting project work and for the development of measures to protect areas from flooding. The full version can be downloaded free of charge here.

Climate Change Hydrology

KAZNU and UPV publish a joint paper about the variability of hydrological drought regimes in the lowland rivers of Kazakhstan

August 19, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

The scientific paper “Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Variability of Hydrological Drought Regimes in the Lowland Rivers of Kazakhstan” has been published in the JCR and Scopus-indexed journal Water. This work has been made in cooperation with colleagues from several research institutions: the Institute of Geography and Water Security (Almaty), the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty), the Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards and Proactive Planning & Laboratory of Reclamation Works and Water Resources Management (National Technical University of Athens), and the research Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA) of the Universitat Politècnica de València.

Results indicate an increase in the intensity and frequency of drought periods in the areas under consideration, which is associated with changes in climatic conditions. The identified trends have serious implications for agriculture, ecological balance, and water resources. The conclusions of this scientific study can be useful for the development of climate change adaptation strategies and the sustainable management of natural resources in the regions under consideration.

The full paper can be downloaded for free here: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/16/16/2316

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