Bridging Tradition and Science: UCA Workshop Explores Climate Adaptation in Kyrgyzstan

The University of Central Asia’s Graduate School of Development (GSD) and Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) convened a four-day workshop in Jumgal district, Naryn region, to explore the role of traditional knowledge and cultural practices in adapting to climate change. The event, titled “The Art of Adaptation: Traditional Knowledge of Kut (Environmental Well-being) and Jut (Environmental Ill-being) in the Climate Change Era”, was co-organised by Dr Asel Murzakulova and Saule Chalbasova as part of UCA’s Sustainable Mountain Development Programme.

Set in the picturesque village of Kyzart, surrounded by mountains, crop fields, and pastures, the workshop offered participants a unique environment for reflection and exchange. The group included UCA researchers and project managers, scholars from Kyrgyz universities, and young filmmakers from the Tartaly collective.

Knowledge Sharing and Dialogue

Dr Denis Samyn of MSRI opened with vivid images of the Himalayas - towering glaciers, sudden avalanches, and destructive floods. His talk on the cryosphere and geohazards invited participants to imagine the fragility of these landscapes and the communities living among them. Drawing parallels with Central Asia, he underscored how resilience strategies in Nepal offer valuable lessons, especially when combined with the wisdom of local knowledge keepers.

The conversation then shifted to biodiversity with Dr Maksim Kulikov, who challenged conventional perceptions of the natural world. With the striking observation that chickens now vastly outnumber all mammals combined, he illustrated the scale of human impact on ecosystems. His insights prompted reflection on how climate change, agriculture, and global consumption are reshaping life on Earth in ways that often go unnoticed.

From there, the group was guided into the realm of Kyrgyz cultural traditions. Researcher Altyn Kapalova from UCA’s Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit led an intimate session on women’s healing practices. Around a table scattered with reeds, thread, and fabric, participants learned to craft chiiy kuurchak - traditional dolls that embody care and resilience. As hands moved carefully, laughter and stories filled the room. Each doll, Kapalova explained, carries something of its maker, a reminder of the deeply personal nature of cultural heritage.

The day closed with a presentation by Ayganysh Isaeva, who explored how the human body itself can tell stories of adaptation and well-being. Through the lens of Soviet imagery, she revealed how posture, gesture, and expression reflect broader social and political realities. The session left many reflecting on the connection between mind, body, and environment. “This was a great workshop,” remarked Prof Taasilkan Zhumabaeva of Osh State University. “I gained insights I can use with my students, such as linking emotions, body language, and chemistry in the human body.”

Creative Storytelling through Film

Complementing the talks, the Tartaly collective screened documentaries throughout the workshop. The films, both humorous and sensitive, portrayed the everyday lives of diverse Kyrgyz protagonists. These screenings sparked lively discussions about documentary-making in rural versus urban contexts, the ethics of storytelling, and the importance of consent in creating authentic narratives.

A Space for Learning and Inspiration

The workshop highlighted how traditional practices, cultural expression, and scientific knowledge can intersect to inform climate adaptation strategies. The setting of Kyzart, its bio-based hotel, yurts, and surrounding landscapes added symbolic weight to the discussions on kut (environmental well-being) and jut (environmental ill-being).

By bridging academic research, indigenous knowledge, art, and community voices, the event created a fertile space for dialogue on resilience and adaptation in Central Asia’s mountains.