Javier Rodrigo

KazNU and UPV researchers publish new study on river morphodynamics in Kazakhstan

July 8, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new scientific paper authored by LESLIE project researchers, entitled: “Forecasting Channel Morphodynamics in the Ulken Almaty River (Ile Alatau, Kazakhstan)”, published in Water (MDPI), Volume 17, Issue 13 (2025).

Access the article here

This publication represents a significant contribution to the scientific outputs of the LESLIE project and reinforces our ongoing commitment to advancing applied research on sustainable land and water management in Central Asia.

Research Overview

The study focuses on the spatial and temporal evolution of the Ulken Almaty River, a glacier-fed mountain river in southeastern Kazakhstan. Using a combination of remote sensing, GIS-based morphometric analysis, and the Kalman filter forecast model implemented through the DSAS 5.1 tool in ArcGIS, the research team was able to quantify and predict patterns of erosion, accretion, and channel instability over a 10-year period (2012–2021), with forecasts extending to 2041.

Key findings include:

– Identification of critical zones of bank erosion and morphological instability, particularly in downstream reaches.
– Quantitative estimation of erosion/accretion rates and their spatial variability.
– Forecasts of future channel deformations under the influence of hydroclimatic and anthropogenic drivers.
– Practical applications for urban planning, flood risk mitigation, and riverbank protection in mountainous urban areas.

An International Research Effort

The paper was co-authored by LESLIE consortium members from:
– Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU)
– Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV – IIAMA)
The international collaboration highlights the LESLIE project’s strong emphasis on capacity building, scientific innovation, and environmental policy support for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Stay connected with LESLIE’s scientific and outreach achievements via our website and social media platforms:

Climate Change Economy Education Environment Hydrology Land Management Solid Waste

LESLIE’s Second Online Workshop Showcases Innovation and Impact Across Central Asia

July 8, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

On 18 June 2025, the LESLIE project successfully held its Second Online Workshop, reaffirming its commitment to fostering innovation and cooperation in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) across Central Asia. With 216 pre-registrations and 130 participants joining live—80 of them simultaneously connected—the event confirmed the growing interest and engagement among project partners, academic institutions, and stakeholders.

The workshop provided a rich forum for knowledge exchange and visibility for local innovations led by LESLIE’s partner institutions in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The session featured ten technical presentations, showcasing applied research and case studies on topics such as:

– Circular economy approaches to whey waste and hydrocarbon byproducts.
– Geophysical impacts of climate change in urban areas.
– Women’s access to irrigation infrastructure as a driver of economic independence.
– Innovations in land-use mapping, biogas systems, and cold storage technologies for agriculture.

The event was chaired by Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri (UPV) in Part 1, and by Eleni Toxqui (UCY) in Part 2. A highlight was the presentation by Dr. Rodrigo-Ilarri, project coordinator, who outlined the broader scope and achievements of LESLIE as an exemplary Erasmus+ CBHE initiative in the region.

Participants actively engaged in the Q&A sessions and many expressed interest in joining the SLM International Hub, with 172 new applications received during the workshop. The workshop also featured contributions from faculty and young researchers from:

– Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University (KOKSU)
– Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KAZNU)
– Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University (AYU)
– CAREC – Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia
– Fergana Polytechnic Institute (FPI)
– TIIAME National Research University
– Bukhara State University (BSU)
– International Agriculture University (IAU)

Importantly, all participants will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by the LESLIE project coordinator, recognizing their engagement and contribution to the project’s objectives.

This successful workshop demonstrates LESLIE’s effectiveness in creating meaningful academic-business linkages, building capacity, and enhancing the visibility of innovative land and environmental management practices.

Environment Hydrology Land Management

New publication: Temporal and Spatial Analysis of the Environmental State of the Valencia Plain Aquifer Area

June 28, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

Researchers from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and Pablo de Olavide University (Seville) have published an alarming study highlighting the environmental deterioration of the Valencia Plain aquifer system due to intense urban expansion over recent decades. The work, published in the journal Sustainability, applies an innovative methodology based on the Weighted Environmental Index (WEI) to quantify the impact of land-use changes between 1990 and 2018.

The results show that the urban surface area of the Valencia Plain increased by 70%, while traditional agricultural land, especially rainfed crops, decreased by over 59%. Consequently, the region’s environmental quality, measured by the WEI, fell by 9.2%, indicating a significant loss in the capacity to deliver essential ecosystem services, such as aquifer recharge, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation.

The study also warns of the negative impacts of urban encroachment on the Albufera Natural Park, one of the most ecologically valuable wetlands in the Mediterranean. The combination of urban growth, agricultural intensification, and inadequate spatial planning has reduced the park’s ecological integrity and exacerbated problems such as water pollution and habitat fragmentation.

The research team, led by Dr. Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri and Dr. María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero, advocates for urgent measures to mitigate these impacts, including:

– The protection of peri-urban agricultural areas, especially traditional systems like the Huerta de Valencia
– The implementation of nature-based solutions to restore degraded ecosystems
– The integration of ecological criteria into urban and territorial planning
– Improved flood risk management, especially in light of recent extreme weather events

The study demonstrates the usefulness of combining CORINE Land Cover and World Settlement Footprint satellite data to achieve high-resolution environmental assessments. The authors also underline the potential of the WEI as a decision-support tool for sustainable land management in Mediterranean metropolitan regions facing high anthropogenic pressure.

The research forms part of the dissemination activities of the Erasmus+ LESLIE project, which promotes innovative approaches to environmental education and land management.

For more information, the full article is available in open access:
👉 Full access to the paper in ResearchGate

Education Environment Land Management

LESLIE Project presentation during June 2025 Training Seminars at Kokshetau University

June 28, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

On June 4–5 2025, Sh. Ualikhanov Kokshetau University hosted a series of training seminars for academic staff, focusing on key strategic areas for modern higher education: digital transformation, internationalization, and academic rankings.

A central part of the seminars was the detailed presentation of the LESLIE Project (Erasmus+), an international initiative aimed at fostering innovation and excellence in higher education. Participants were introduced to the project’s objectives, main focus areas, and expected outcomes. Particular attention was given to the upcoming second LESLIE workshop, scheduled for June 18, which generated considerable interest among faculty members. All necessary information, including the registration link, was provided to facilitate participation.

The seminars gathered academic representatives from across the university, including:

Higher School of Business and Law
Higher School of Medicine
Pedagogical Institute
Agro-Technical Institute

The event was marked by high levels of engagement and active discussions, underscoring the relevance of the topics addressed and the strategic importance of the LESLIE project for advancing the university’s international profile and institutional development.

Climate Change Economy Education Environment Hydrology Land Management Microcredentials Solid Waste

Leslie’s Second Online Workshop – 18 June 2025, 09:30h CET

June 8, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

The LESLIE Project is pleased to announce the upcoming Second Online Workshop, which will take place on June 18, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CET. This key event, titled “Land Management, Environment & Solid Waste: Inside Education and Business in Central Asia”, will bring together experts, educators, and innovators committed to sustainability and knowledge exchange across Central Asia and Europe.

Free registration using this link: https://forms.gle/QvvxPicLgvnx23w58

The workshop will be opened by LESLIE coordinator, Prof. Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri, who will introduce the keynote lecture: “LESLIE: An example of ERASMUS+ CBHE action in Central Asia”. His talk will highlight the strategic goals of LESLIE in advancing academic capacity and promoting cross-border collaboration in environmental education.

A series of distinguished speakers will share their insights and recent work on topics related to circular economy, climate adaptation, solid waste, and educational innovation:

Khava Yevloyeva – “Transforming whey waste into value: circular economy approaches and technologies”
Marina Nugman – “Efficient technologies for processing hydrocarbon waste”
Nurlybek Abdimutalip – “Study of geophysical changes in urban areas of Turkistan region due to climatic changes”
Sherzod Rakhmonov – “Land Use and Land Cover Change in Khorezm, Uzbekistan”
Hulkar Turobova – “Development of circular economy in the agriculture of Uzbekistan”
Bahtiyorjon Abdusattorov – “Enhancing agricultural sustainability through cold storage solutions: A case study on table grape preservation in Central Asia”
Valeriya Orlova – “Enhancing economic independence and improving the situation of women in Central Asia through access to irrigation water and infrastructure”
Kamolatkhon Khakimova – “Sustainable development of the LESLIE project and outreach in the regions”
Imomov Shavkat Zhakhonovich – “Rating methodic of biogas installations working in rare conditions”

This workshop will provide an excellent platform for knowledge dissemination and will foster networking opportunities among project partners, institutions, and regional stakeholders.

📅 Mark your calendar and join us online to be part of a collaborative effort towards a more sustainable future in Central Asia.

Climate Change Hydrology

New publication: Reaction of Minimal Streamflow to Natural Factors in the Context of Climate Uncertainty

May 26, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

We are pleased to announce the recent publication of a scientific article co-authored by LESLIE participants and collaborators from leading academic and research institutions in Kazakhstan, Greece, and Spain. The paper, entitled “Reaction of Minimal Streamflow to Natural Factors in the Context of Climate Uncertainty” has been published in the prestigious journal Water Resources Management (Springer, 2025).

Access the publication (Open Access via ResearchGate)

About the Study

The research investigates long-term changes (1940–2021) in minimal streamflow across the Zhaiyk-Caspian Water Management Basin, one of the most hydrologically and economically important regions of Western Kazakhstan. Drawing on extensive hydrometeorological data, the study characterizes the evolution of low-flow regimes under two climatic phases: a stabilization period (pre-1973) and a climate change period (1974–2021).

The methodology combines hydrological and statistical analyses to evaluate key indicators such as:

Minimal monthly discharge
Duration of summer-autumn and winter low-flow periods
Soil freezing depth and thaw frequency
Changes in precipitation and air temperature

Main Findings

Winter low flows have increased significantly (up to 5.2 times) in several rivers, due to shallower frost depth and more frequent thaw periods, which enhance groundwater contributions to baseflow.

Conversely, summer-autumn low flows have declined in many sub-basins, with some rivers experiencing complete desiccation, driven by reduced precipitation and higher air temperatures.

The duration of the low-flow period has extended in many areas, and the frequency of zero-flow conditions has increased sharply—posing challenges for water availability, biodiversity, and local communities.

The soil freezing depth has decreased by ~10 cm (−9%), while thaw events have become longer and more frequent, confirming a regional warming trend with hydrological consequences.

Relevance for Sustainable Water Management

These insights are highly relevant for the development of adaptive water resource planning strategies in arid and semi-arid regions. The methodological framework applied in the study can support:

Early warning systems for hydrological drought
Improved estimation of baseflow under climate change
Design of climate-resilient water allocation policies

This contribution also highlights the importance of integrating scientific research into higher education and professional training, which is a cornerstone of the Erasmus+ CBHE LESLIE project.

Environment Land Management Solid Waste

Scientific Seminar Highlights the LESLIE Erasmus+ Project at Akhmet Yasawi University, Turkestan

May 19, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

Environment Hydrology

New publication: Numerical Modeling of the Concentration of Microplastics in Lakes and Rivers in Kazakhstan

May 3, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

A new peer-reviewed article titled “Numerical Modeling of the Concentration of Microplastics in Lakes and Rivers in Kazakhstan” has been published as a result of a collaborative effort between the Department of Ecology, Life Safety and Environmental Protection at Abay Myrzakhmetov Kokshetau University (Kazakhstan) and the Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y del Medio Ambiente (IIAMA) at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), Spain. This research represents a significant advancement in the application of mathematical modeling to assess microplastic (MP) pollution in freshwater ecosystems.

The study focuses on three lakes—Kopa, Zerendinskoye, and Borovoe—and the Yesil River. Through the application of differential equations, the researchers modeled the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of MP concentrations in both sediments and surface waters. Field data were collected during three distinct seasons (spring, summer, and autumn), providing a comprehensive basis for model calibration and validation.

Key Findings:

MP concentrations exhibit an exponential decay pattern with increasing distance from the shoreline, with the highest values consistently observed nearshore.
A decay coefficient of k = 0.09 was derived through sensitivity analysis, optimizing the model’s representation of concentration gradients.
Regression analysis was used to calibrate the model, enabling the determination of best-fit parameters for distance–concentration relationships.
Model performance was quantitatively assessed using statistical metrics such as Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R²), demonstrating strong agreement between simulated and observed values.

This research constitutes one of the first detailed numerical modeling efforts addressing MP pollution in Kazakhstan’s freshwater environments. The results underscore the significance of spatial and seasonal dynamics in the distribution of microplastics and reinforce the need for robust monitoring frameworks.

Scientific and Policy Implications:

The integration of modeling with empirical data offers valuable insights into the behavior of MPs under varying hydrological and climatic conditions. These findings contribute to the broader objectives of environmental risk assessment and support the development of targeted strategies for mitigating plastic pollution in inland water bodies.

This work exemplifies the LESLIE project’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building in environmental modeling, offering a scalable approach for similar assessments in other regions of Central Asia and beyond.

The article is freely available and can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390842539_Numerical_Modeling_of_the_Concentration_of_Microplastics_in_Lakes_and_Rivers_in_Kazakhstan

Education Environment Land Management

Round Table at Ualikhanov University marking 20 Years of Biotechnology Program and Honors Professor O. Aimakov

May 3, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

LESLIE Project Presented During Round Table Celebrating 20 Years of Biotechnology at Ualikhanov University

On April 10, 2025, Ualikhanov University hosted a round table to mark two significant milestones: the 20th anniversary of the university’s Biotechnology program and the 85th birthday of esteemed Professor O. Aimakov, a founding member of the Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology. The event served both as a commemoration of past achievements and as a platform for discussing the department’s future priorities in research and education.

The round table brought together faculty members, students, and invited guests from academic and scientific institutions. The program included a series of reflective talks on the evolution of the Biotechnology program, research highlights from recent years, and strategic discussions on curriculum modernization in the context of global scientific and technological change.

As part of the academic session, Ms. Khava Yevloyeva delivered a focused presentation on the LESLIE project (Leveraging Education for Sustainable Land and Innovation in Europe and Central Asia). Her presentation introduced the main goals of the project—enhancing institutional capacity in higher education systems, developing interdisciplinary learning pathways, and supporting sustainable land management (SLM) through applied research and innovation.

Ms. Yevloyeva outlined the project’s key achievements to date, including:

The development of specialized training modules in land degradation neutrality and SLM practices;
The establishment of academic-industry collaboration frameworks;
Progress in creating the SLM International Hub as a knowledge-sharing and coordination mechanism across participating countries.

Her presentation generated considerable interest, particularly among students from the Biotechnology and Chemistry programs. Many attendees expressed enthusiasm for the interdisciplinary nature of the project, noting the growing importance of integrated environmental management in biotechnological applications—ranging from soil microbiome restoration to sustainable bioresource development.

A highlight of the discussion was the SLM International Hub, which was introduced as a dynamic platform aimed at fostering collaborative research, academic mobility, and joint innovation projects between universities, research centers, and stakeholders from Europe and Central Asia. Questions from the audience reflected a strong desire to understand how students and early-career researchers can actively engage with the Hub’s initiatives, including internships, research fellowships, and participation in pilot case studies.

The round table concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening interdisciplinary education and reinforcing the role of universities as key drivers of regional sustainability. The event not only celebrated a rich legacy of academic excellence but also showcased how forward-looking projects like LESLIE are shaping the future of science and education in Kazakhstan and beyond.

Further information can be found here: https://www.shokan.edu.kz/en/news/10-aprelya-2025-goda-v-kokshetauskom-universitete-imeni-sh-ualihanova-v-ramkah-utverzhdyonnogo-plana-meropriyatij/

Education Environment Land Management

TIIAME-NRU helds the International Conference on “Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Higher Specialized Education and Science in the Context of Globalization”

May 3, 2025 Javier Rodrigo

On April 10, 2025, the Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers – National Research University (TIIAME-NRU) hosted the international conference “Challenges and Prospects for the Development of Higher Specialized Education and Science in the Context of Globalization.” The event convened leading academics and professionals to exchange knowledge and strategies for advancing education and science in a rapidly globalizing world.

Associate Professor Sh. Rakhmonov represented TIIAME-NRU with a presentation focused on the LESLIE project, outlining its main objectives and its role in enhancing scientific collaboration and educational innovation. His intervention emphasized the relevance of international capacity-building initiatives like LESLIE in fostering adaptive, multidisciplinary approaches to global challenges in education and environmental sustainability.

During the conference, Professor Rakhmonov also presented his research paper titled “Utilizing Remote Sensing Technologies for the Preservation and Development of Green Infrastructure: A Case Study of Tashkent.” His work addressed critical issues linked to urban ecological resilience, demonstrating how remote sensing (RS) tools—particularly Sentinel-2 satellite data—can support the assessment and planning of green infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing environments.

Key Findings:

The analysis covered green space dynamics in Tashkent from 2013 to 2023, identifying a net decrease in vegetated areas in central districts such as Mirzo Ulug’bek, Shayxontohur, and Yakkasaroy.
Conversely, the Sergeli district showed a positive trend due to recent urban greening efforts, including the establishment of the “New Uzbekistan Park.”
The study underscored the correlation between urban development patterns and the ecological degradation or improvement of specific zones within the city.

Recommendations:

Professor Rakhmonov proposed actionable measures to support sustainable urban planning, including:

The institutionalization of annual “green space reports” to monitor spatial changes and guide policy;
Legislative enhancements to safeguard green infrastructure during new construction projects;
Integration of RS-based monitoring systems into the workflows of local environmental agencies and planning departments.

His contribution highlights how science-driven approaches, aligned with the goals of the LESLIE project, can effectively bridge local environmental challenges with global sustainability frameworks. The conference concluded with a broad consensus among participants on the necessity of adopting innovative, interdisciplinary methods in higher education and research to respond to the evolving demands of globalization.

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