The document summarizes a partnership between State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and Toraighyrov University in Kazakhstan to collaborate on environmental research and education. Faculty and students from ESF visited field sites in Kazakhstan to familiarize themselves with the habitats and environmental challenges. They then hosted researchers from Toraighyrov University in New York to share expertise in areas like habitat restoration, soil science, and water quality. The partnership aims to establish joint academic programs and research collaborations to train a new generation of students and address environmental issues in both regions.

1. “Partnerships like this are essential for the successful development of education and
science in Kazakhstan.”
-Viktor Kamkin, an associate professor at Toraighyrov University
The northern steppes of Kazakhstan are a land of two
extremes: stretches of pristine natural beauty and patches
of contaminated post-industrial landscapes. Less than
100 miles from the Ekibastuz, the industrial heartland of
northern Kazakhstan, the Bayanaul mountain range teems
with flora and fauna. But the future of the region depends
on removing toxic substances from the environment and
protecting resources for future generations.
With a grant awarded through the Central Asia University
Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by
American Councils and funded by the U.S. Department
of State through the Embassy in Kazakhstan, a team
of scientists from State University of New York College
of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) and
Toraighyrov University launched research collaborations
in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Researchers exchanged knowledge of the common
characteristics of wetlands, forests, and soils and the
potential for the remediation of damaged habitat.
FROM THE ADIRONDACKS TO THE STEPPES
First, the team needed to familiarize itself with the
habitats in upstate New York and the steppes of
northern Kazakhstan, both natural laboratories for
climate change. In July 2019, Interim President David
Amberg, professors Donald Leopold, Lee Newman,
and Guy Lanza traveled to northern Kazakhstan to
develop new multidisciplinary teaching and research
programs in the environmental sciences.
“We discovered that Pavlodar was similar to Syracuse,
New York,” remarks Dr. Lanza, a research professor
specializing in aquatic ecology and environmental
microbiology. “Both are post-industrial cities trying to
change direction. Nearby, there are pristine sites, and
lots of serious complex environmental challenges that
we could use to collaborate between our institutions.”
ESF and Toraighyrov University scientists conducted field
work on environmental remediation, reviewing the major
types of contaminants present in the Pavlodar region.
The team outlined steps for practical remediation research
and training for faculty, students, and government
environmental agencies in Kazakhstan based on their
exchange of knowledge and expertise.
At Bayanaul National Park, created in 1985 to preserve and
restore wildlife, the ESF faculty discovered the untapped
eco-tourism potential of the region. “It is breathtakingly
beautiful, but not many people go there,” recalls Dr.
Lee Newman, associate professor of biotechnology and
phytoremediation. “We ran into a National Geographic film
crew, explored a cave, and met with the park manager and
those responsible for reforestation. We quickly realized
that this location would be excellent to create new summer
internships for our environmental science students.”
LOCAL EXPERTISE WITH GLOBAL IMPACT
Several weeks later, four Toraighyrov University scientists
conducted fieldwork in the state of New York to learn
practical ways to begin the complex task of launching
environmental remediation projects. ESF experts in
habitat restoration, plant and animal ecology, soil
science, wetlands and forestry management, fisheries
ecology, and water quality shared insights into local
habitats and contaminants.
Scientists from New York state and Pavlodar exchanged
best practices on the teaching and research models
currently used at their respective institutions, and ESF
provided advice by sharing curriculum in soil sciences
and in biodiversity to allow students to actively
participate in research.
HEALING THE SOIL AND
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

2. As a result of the collaboration, the two partners
established protocols to develop future research
collaborations in environmental sciences. Immediately
following the COVID-19 pandemic, ESF worked with
Toraighyrov University professors to move two of its
courses online.
Through a memorandum of understanding, graduates
of Toraighyrov University may now continue their post-
graduate studies at ESF and take advantage of reduced
tuition. ESF and Toraighyrov University continues
to explore the launch of joint diploma programs in
agrotechnology and biology, and actively mentor
agrotechnology doctoral students.
The partnership is poised to prepare a new generation
of undergraduate and graduate students for enhanced
training and formulate international research. “Partnerships
like this are essential for the successful development of
education and science in Kazakhstan,” says Viktor Kamkin,
an associate professor, who encourages other Kazakhstani
universities to explore partnerships with U.S. universities.
Dr. Newman notes that regular and good communications
are essential for U.S. institutions looking to form partnerships
in Kazakhstan. “Go in with no preconceived notions about
starting points,” she advises. “Be honest about what the
faculty can do together, and what their needs are. Lots of
U.S. universities are reluctant to start new partnerships,
but Toraighyrov University was ready because of the high
character of the faculty.”
ABOUT UNICEN
Funded by the US Department of State through its missions
in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, UniCEN is a platform to
increase sustainable collaborations between US and
Central Asian higher education institutions. UniCEN builds
expertise in the areas of strategic planning, administration,
faculty policies and practices, student mobility, curriculum
development, and alumni relations to advance the
development of mutually beneficial partnerships.
ABOUT OUR PARTNERS
State University of New York College of
Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF)
A specialized, doctoral degree granting institution,
ESF is the oldest and most distinguished institution
in the United States that focuses on the study of
the environment. Located in Syracuse, New York,
ESF operates education and research facilities
also in the Adirondack Park (including the Ranger
School in Wanakena), the Thousand Islands,
elsewhere in central New York, and Costa Rica.
The college’s curricula focus on the understanding,
management, and sustainability of the environment
and natural resources.
Toraighyrov University
Toraighyrov University (formerly Pavlodar State
University) is an educational, scientific and
cultural center recognized at the regional and
national levels. Toraighyrov University is the
center of education, science and culture not only
in Pavlodar region, but also in the Republic of
Kazakhstan. Its mission is to be the intellectual
center of the region’s economy. Its vision is to be
the best entrepreneurial university in Kazakhstan.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Adrian Erlinger | aerlinger@americancouncils.org