Biodiversity monitoring as a tool for the conservation of urban ecosystems

Third-year students of the “Ecology” EP at the UNESCO Chair for  Sustainable Development are undertaking industrial internships at «Eco Almaty LLP». As part of their practical training, future ecologists are involved in environmental projects aimed at improving the environmental condition of the city of Almaty and fostering a sustainable urban environment.

Eco Almaty LLP is a subordinate organization of the Department of Green Economy of the city of Almaty with 100% state ownership. Together with the Department, it bears shared responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of data on tree and shrub vegetation included in the city’s Register of Green Plantations.

Currently, specialists of Eco Almaty LLP are carrying out assessments of the qualitative condition of green spaces based on their inventory and forest pathological surveys, as well as developing action plans for the enhancement of the green fund of Almaty.

One of the key areas of the internship is the participation of Ecology program students in the development and updating of the inventory map of green spaces in the city of Almaty, particularly within the Almaly district. This work is conducted using modern digital environmental monitoring tools that enable the recording of the location of trees and shrubs, their species composition, age characteristics, and overall condition.

The inventory map of green spaces is an essential tool for the systematic accounting of urban vegetation. It allows for the creation of a unified database of the city’s green fund, the assessment of tree conditions, and the planning of landscaping, sanitary pruning, and restoration activities.

This work is of particular importance for the conservation and monitoring of urban biodiversity. Green spaces play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, creating a favorable microclimate, and providing habitats for various species of birds, insects, and other organisms. Systematic inventory enables the monitoring of species diversity, the identification of rare or vulnerable species, and the planning of appropriate conservation measures.

During the internship, students are engaged in field data collection, refinement of the geographic positioning of mapped objects, and data processing for the digital map of green spaces in the Almaly district. This practical experience allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge, master modern environmental monitoring methods, and contribute meaningfully to the development of a sustainable urban environment.

The internship contributes to the development of professional competencies of future ecologists and strengthens cooperation between the university and Eco Almaty LLP in the field of environmental protection.

This activity aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” and Goal 15 “Life on Land,” which focus on the preservation of green areas, protection of biodiversity, and ensuring the environmental sustainability of urban ecosystems.