The A. Askarova Shymkent State Arboretum is one of Kazakhstan's key scientific centers for the study, conservation, and restoration of flora. Work is underway not only to maintain and expand local flora collections but also to acclimatize plants from around the world. Preserving natural biodiversity is a strategically important objective for the future and environmental security of the country. For this reason, the arboretum's specialists are actively expanding their collaboration with relevant international organizations.

A significant event in this area was the scientific trip of the park's science department staff to the Republic of Uzbekistan. From October 27 to 29, 2025, they visited the Tashkent Botanical Garden named after Academician F.N. Rusanov, one of the oldest botanical institutions in Central Asia. The main goal of the visit was to strengthen cooperation and exchange plant material to expand the park's gene pool.

The trip was carried out within the framework of a memorandum of cooperation signed in 2024 between the Shymkent Arboretum and the Tashkent Botanical Garden. This document has become a key platform for joint initiatives aimed at preserving rare and endangered plant species, conducting scientific research, and exchanging expertise among specialists.

Climate change, the loss of natural green spaces, urbanization, and anthropogenic impacts all contribute to the decline of biodiversity. Under these conditions, botanical gardens become true "life reserves," preserving plants that are endangered in the wild.

This scientific collaboration resulted in the addition of 145 species of trees and shrubs from Uzbekistan to the arboretum's collection. These include:

45 species are plants that are already found on the territory of the arboretum, but are considered rare and endangered
100 species - exotic and new plants for the collection, previously not presented in the park

By the form of the obtained material:

• 82 species arrived as seeds

• 18 species - in the form of cuttings

Each such specimen is a valuable contribution to expanding the botanical database. Many of the resulting species have high ornamental value, and some are important for environmental programs aimed at increasing the resilience of green spaces in the arid climate of southern Kazakhstan.

After delivery, all the material was distributed among the arboretum's scientific collections and placed in greenhouse conditions , where the necessary agricultural requirements are met. The acclimatization process can take a long time and requires a professional approach: it is important to select the appropriate lighting, temperature, humidity, and soil composition.

The arboretum's scientific staff monitors:

• seed germination processes

• rooting cuttings

• adaptation of new species to the local climate

• growth rates and condition of plants

In the next stages, some of the plants will be planted in open ground to form thematic collections and for further study.

Of particular value among the donated specimens are the 45 rare and endangered plant species . Their conservation is not only a professional task for botanists but also a national mission aimed at maintaining natural balance and combating the loss of biodiversity.

Among the priority areas:

• creation and expansion of collections of rare and endangered plants

• studying the possibilities of their return to the natural environment

• protection of ecosystems from further degradation

• formation of environmental culture among the population

In this way, the natural heritage, which is important to pass on to the next generation, is preserved.

The work of the arboretum's team exemplifies a profound sense of responsibility for the environment. In the face of global climate change, every step toward strengthening environmental safety is crucial. Expanding the gene pool is not a one-time initiative, but a systematic effort that yields long-term results.

Today, more and more countries and international organizations are joining forces to protect nature. This initiative is part of a larger global process in which each country contributes to the common cause of preserving the planet.

The parties agreed that cooperation will be continued and expanded. Future plans include:

• conducting joint research on plant zoning and adaptation

• organization of scientific seminars and trainings

• exchange of planting material on a permanent basis

• involving youth and students in environmental projects

This partnership promotes international scientific dialogue and strengthens ties between Central Asian countries.

Replenishing the plant gene pool is a strategically important undertaking that helps preserve and enhance natural resources. The scientific collaboration between the A. Askarova Shymkent Arboretum and the Tashkent Botanical Garden is a shining example of effective collaboration aimed at environmental protection.

The trip and its results are a significant contribution to the development of the urban ecosystem and the provision of a green future for the residents of Shymkent and the entire country.