Shymkent State Dendrological Park named after A. Askarov is one of the best scientific institutions in the country in terms of preserving and increasing the diversity of the plant world. Here, not only the flora of Kazakhstan, but also green species collected from all over the world are planted, and special scientific experiments are conducted. Preservation of natural wealth is a precious heritage that will be passed on to future generations. Therefore, park specialists are constantly conducting planned and effective work to replenish the gene pool.

For this purpose, on October 27-29, 2025, specialists from the park's science department paid a working visit to the Tashkent Botanical Garden named after Academician F.N. Rusanov, located in Tashkent, the Republic of Uzbekistan. This visit was aimed at strengthening environmental cooperation and scientific ties between the two countries.

This visit was organized within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation signed between the two scientific institutions in 2024. This agreement is considered an important document that allows for the preservation of rare and endangered plant species, the exchange of experiences, and the enrichment of the gene pool.

Today, environmental issues remain relevant. Climate change, the reduction of green areas, the increase in anthropogenic factors - all have a significant impact on plant populations. In this regard, each concrete work carried out within the framework of the memorandum is an important step towards preserving biological diversity.

The main result of the visit was the import of seeds and cuttings of 145 different trees and shrubs to replenish the gene pool of the dendrological park. This is a very large-scale and valuable scientific achievement.

The collected materials include:

45 species - rare plant species that have long been found in the arboretum, but are at high risk of extinction
100 species — trees and shrubs that are not found in the park at all, are exotic, or require new adaptations

Among them:

• 82 species — in seed form

• 18 types — delivered as pens

These plants occupy a unique place in the world's flora. Some are endemic species typical of the Central Asian region, while others are new genera that require special scientific approaches to adapt to the climate of Kazakhstan.

Currently, imported plant materials are planted in greenhouse conditions , observing all agrotechnical requirements. This is a long and responsible process. This is because each species has different growth characteristics, soil, moisture, and temperature requirements.

Specialists are closely monitoring the process of plant adaptation and rooting. In the future, some of the plants will be relocated to the park and placed in special collection areas.

Preserving the gene pool of 45 rare plant species is an important task that ensures the stability of natural ecosystems. Work is also on the agenda to reproduce and reintroduce plants that grow in Kazakhstan but are at risk of extinction.

In this direction:

• maintaining ecological balance

• restoring the natural habitat of plants

• increase urban greenery

• development of scientific research

tasks are being implemented.

The scientific team of the Arboretum through their work sets an example of compassion for nature for the public. For scientists, this is not just professional work - it is a contribution to an environmentally safe future.

Today, the world is facing major challenges related to climate change. At such a time, every good deed directed towards nature is an important step towards saving human life. Therefore, work on the enrichment of the gene pool is of great value not only for the scientific community, but also for society as a whole.

In the future, scientific ties between the Shymkent Dendrological Park and the Tashkent Botanical Garden will be strengthened. According to the plan:

• Conducting joint scientific research

• Developing joint projects for the conservation of rare species

• Exchange of experience and advanced training of young professionals

• Solving regional environmental problems together

such work will be done.

This is a vivid reflection of the friendship and strategic partnership between not only the two institutions, but also the two countries, aimed at protecting nature.

Increasing the gene pool is a real way to strengthen environmental safety, preserve natural resources, and leave a green world as a legacy for future generations. The work of the Shymkent Dendrological Park named after A. Askarov in this direction is an example of responsibility for the nature of our country.

Scientific cooperation will undoubtedly continue to develop and make a significant contribution to creating a green, ecologically clean environment for city residents.