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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.

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 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

Climate Change Hydrology Land Management

BINRM-TIIAME develops innovative water-saving irrigation and desalination technologies under global climate change and water scarcity conditions

August 14, 2024 Javier Rodrigo

A research team led by Associate Professor Kamal Shukhratovich Khamrayev at the TIIAME NRU Bukhara Institute of Natural Resources Management undertook a practical investigation focused on developing innovative irrigation and salinization mitigation strategies for irrigated agricultural systems within the context of escalating global climate change and intensifying water scarcity. The project, titled “Development of innovative water-saving irrigation and salt washing technologies in irrigated agriculture in the face of global climate change and water scarcity,” was subjected to a rigorous evaluation by a dedicated working group tasked with monitoring the allocation of research funds.

The working group’s mandate was to conduct a detailed examination of project No. 03/17-UTK 1-2 in alignment with Presidential Decree of 20 June 2024, which established a framework for fostering research and experimental design initiatives in the domains of water resource management, ecology, and environmental protection. The primary objective was to assess the project’s contribution to these critical areas and to verify the appropriate utilization of allocated financial resources.

Upon completion of the evaluation, the working group rendered a comprehensive assessment of the institute’s research efforts, including a thorough examination of the project’s financial management practices. More information can be found at https://t.me/BuxTRBI/33649