National Geographic Recognizes Assel Tasmagambetova for Her Contribution to the Conservation of the Caspian Sea.
The international publication has recognized ambassadors in Kazakhstan for the first time as part of its global National Geographic 33 initiative.
The official National Geographic Qazaqstan Ambassador Awards Ceremony took place at Nazarbayev University in Astana and marked the 10th anniversary of the magazine’s publication in Kazakhstan. The event brought together representatives of the scientific community, researchers, and members of the media.
According to Aibyn Shagalak, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Qazaqstan, the project aims to highlight individuals whose work creates a positive impact on society around the world. The title of National Geographic Qazaqstan Ambassador is inspired by the National Geographic 33 initiative and recognizes Kazakhstanis whose achievements reflect its values—advancing science, protecting nature, and contributing to the well-being of society.
Assel Tasmagambetova, environmentalist and founder of the Central Asian Institute for Environmental Research (CAIER), was recognized for her outstanding contribution to environmental protection, particularly for her efforts to study and conserve the Caspian seal, the only marine mammal native to the Caspian Sea.
Under her leadership, CAIER has been conducting research into the decline of the Caspian seal population since 2015. Over the past decade, the Institute has organized ten international scientific expeditions involving researchers from Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, France, and Kazakhstan.
“Being named a National Geographic Qazaqstan Ambassador fills me with both pride and a deep sense of responsibility. On the one hand, it is a tremendous honor and recognition of our work. On the other hand, the environmental situation in the Caspian Sea and the conservation of the Caspian seal become more challenging with each passing year. There is still a great deal of important work ahead of us, and it is a responsibility we all share,” said Assel Tasmagambetova.
