From July 14 to 16, the second group of participants of the 2026 Global Summer School for Young Pastoralists visited the high-mountain pastures of Son-Kul.
Son-Kul served as a unique natural venue for learning, exchanging experience, and strengthening international cooperation: from July 14 to 16, as part of the 2026 Global Summer School for Young Pastoralists, the second group of participants visited the high-mountain pastures, learning about best practices in sustainable pasture management and the life of local herders.
The field trip included:
— meetings with representatives of state bodies, FAO, and local communities;
— presentations on developing sustainable pasture management in the region;
— practical training on pasture monitoring using the FAO Open Foris platform, GPS devices, and drones;
— national games, cultural events, and interactive sessions aimed at developing leadership qualities and teamwork skills.
Participants were able to communicate directly with local pastoralists, gain a closer understanding of the specifics of managing high-mountain pastures, and see the role that modern technologies play in the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
The field trip to Son-Kul clearly demonstrated how traditional knowledge and modern innovations successfully complement each other, contributing to the sustainable management of pasture ecosystems, the conservation of mountain ecosystems, and the sustainable development of local communities.