SDSN Kazakhstan Co-Hosts Workshop on Blue-Green Infrastructure for Climate-Resilient Water Management
On August 31 and September 1, 2026, the Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Public Policy (NU GSPP) and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s Kazakhstan network (SDSN Kazakhstan) hosted the workshop “Blue-Green Water Infrastructure for Climate-Resilient Water Management.”
Under the Initiation of International Collaboration grant programme, Dr Aliya Assubayeva, Assistant Professor at NU GSPP and a collaborating partner from the German Research Foundation (DFG) project, organized the two-day workshop. It brought together researchers and practitioners from Germany and Central Asia, as well as representatives of Nazarbayev University, the Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources, Astana Su Arnasy, the Astana Urban Planning Center, the National Laboratory Astana, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), TIIAME National Research University, and the Central Asia Sustainable Innovation Bureau (CASIB).
Day One of the Workshop
The first day of the workshop focused on international experiences, including lessons from Germany. Dr. Dörte Ziegler from Koblenz University of Applied Sciences discussed climate change impacts on cities and the role of blue-green infrastructure in responding to these challenges. Dr. Malte Henrichs from FH Münster University of Applied Sciences presented approaches to measuring and modelling the water balance of BGI, while Dr. Anke Schmidt from RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau explored how blue-green infrastructure can contribute to new approaches to urban planning.
The programme also featured virtual presentations by Dr. Sascha Henninger from RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, who addressed urban heat adaptation and approaches to identifying suitable locations for BGI. Stephan Bandermann from Sieker mbH also shared practical experience in stormwater management in Berlin. Together, the presentations demonstrated the interdisciplinary nature of blue-green infrastructure, bringing together urban planning, climate adaptation, hydrology, and water management.
Following the presentations was a panel discussion on “BGI Opportunities and Challenges in Central Asia,” which brought together Dr. Ferhat Karaca from Nazarbayev University’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences; Dr. Iskandar Abdullaev from the International Water Management Institute; Dr. Abdulkhakim Salokhiddinov from TIIAME National Research University; Irina Yugay from the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC); and Dr. Serik Orazgaliyev from NU GSPP and SDSN Kazakhstan. The panel explored applying BGI approaches across Central Asia, while also considering the region’s specific climatic and environmental conditions, institutional settings, and urban development challenges. Participants discussed the importance of adapting international approaches to local contexts and strengthening cooperation between researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and urban stakeholders.
Day Two of the Workshop
The second day of the workshop focused on the Kazakhstan and Astana context. Dr. Nurlan Abayev, Managing Director at the Information and Analytical Center for Water Resources, presented on the development of the Master Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management and eight basin plans for the protection and use of water resources. Additionally, Nurlan Ongdas, Researcher at the Nazarbayev University Research Administration, presented results from the Urban Water Management: German Expertise for Kazakh Cities (TERESA) project.
NU GSPP students Ayan Nazarbekov, Assyl Duisen, and Aisulu Nurakhmet also contributed to the programme by presenting their ongoing master’s project on flood resilience in Astana. Participants took part in group work and interactive discussions to identify opportunities and challenges for implementing blue-green infrastructure. The sessions encouraged participants to exchange perspectives from different fields and consider potential research questions.
The workshop was complemented by site visits that connected the workshop themes with ongoing urban development and water management practices in Astana. Participants visited the Center of Urbanism to learn about current urban development projects and initiatives in the city and exchange knowledge with local specialists. With students from the Water Resources Policy and Management course, taught by Dr Aliya Assubayeva at NU GSPP, participants also visited Astana Su Arnasy, Astana's municipal water and wastewater utility. The visit provided an opportunity to learn more about the city’s water management system and discuss practical challenges related to water resources, urban infrastructure, and climate resilience.
By bringing together international expertise, regional perspectives, local practice, and student research, the workshop strengthened dialogue on blue-green infrastructure and created opportunities for exchange and potential collaboration on climate-resilient water management in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.