Dr Aibek Samakov is an interdisciplinary researcher with over 14 years of experience in participatory research, project management, and capacity building. He has led projects on biodiversity conservation, water resource management, and climate change adaptation in Central Asia. Aibek has collaborated with UNESCO, UNEP, and IPBES as a lead author, trainer, and consultant. He has taught at the University of Tübingen and developed training materials for various organizations, demonstrating expertise in indigenous knowledge, environmental governance, and social-environmental change.

Aibek holds a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Bern, an MA in Natural Resources Management, and International Relations.