Kyrgyz National Agrarian University named after K.I. Skryabin (KNAU)
Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry
offers
Summer School Kyrgyzstan 2026:
Integrated Field Course on Landscape Elements and Land Use
(Earn 6 ECTS through field-based learning)
Brief overview of the Summer School is available here: a 3-page leaflet.
Course Overview and Pedagogical Approach:
The course utilizes the Patch-Corridor-Matrix model as the foundational framework for describing landscape elements. The primary objective is to demonstrate that a "landscape element" is not merely a physical landform, but a complex synthesis of geomorphological features, soil, vegetation, and land use patterns. This interdisciplinary approach provides students with a truly integrated perspective on environmental systems.
Main teaching events will be in form of field seminars at 17 pre-selected key sites. At each location, students will receive comprehensive data regarding:
regional climate and relief,
soil-forming geological substrates,
morphological characteristics of soil profiles and soil processes,
vegetation, including identification of common and specific flora,
anthropogenic land use characteristics.
While the itinerary focuses on near-natural environments with minimal human disturbance, it also incorporates diverse examples of agricultural (arable and pasture) and forestry land use. In addition, the educational program touches on the aesthetic perception of landscapes.
Three lecturers – specialists in geomorphology, geology, mineralogy, geobotany, soil science and agriculture – will accompany the summer school participants throughout the program. Local experts on specific topics are often invited, and KNAU authorities will also provide several talks.
Highlights in Geomorphology, (Geo)Botany and Plant Ecology, Soil Science and Land Use can be found here: https://go2kgstan.com/highlights
Target Audience: We cordially invite, in particular, HSWT students from the following faculties to participate:
Fakultät Landschaftsarchitektur,
Fakultät Landschaftsbau und Management,
Fakultät Wald und Forstwirtschaft,
Fakultät Landwirtschaft.
However, students and staff from other faculties are also welcome if they are interested in the thematic focus.
Capacity (preferred number of students): 25-30.
Requirements: Prior outdoor traveling experience (even minimal) is highly preferred.
Academic Workload and Evaluation
Direct Instruction. 85 hours of lecturers and field seminars over 3 weeks. The first three days and the last day of the course will be held in the lecture halls of KNAU.
In the afternoons of the first three days, we plan to visit (A) the longest-running field experiment on fertilization, crop rotation, and irrigation in Central Asia; (B) a local vegetable farm; (C) the main DAAD office in Central Asia (located in Bishkek). A cultural program will also be organized. On the afternoons of the final day, we plan to visit NABU and the National Historian Museum of Kyrgyzstan. Local KNAU students will participate during these days.
Independent Work. HSWT students will prepare a presentation before the course and write a report afterward (75 hours).
Total Workload. 160 hours.
Assessment. A multiple-choice test (Prüfung) consisting of 48 questions covering geomorphology, geobotany, soil science, and land use will be held on the 21st day.
Credits: 6 ECTS.
Certificate of Participation. Participants will receive an official "Certificate of Participation" from KNAU authorities on the last day.
Structure and logistics
Total duration: 23 days.
Itinerary: The first three days and the final day of the summer school will take place in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and 19 days on a field trip travelling around Kyrgyzstan.
Start date: Early August (tentatively August 2nd – 4th).
Estimated Costs: approx. 1,400–1,500 EUR (includes all regional transportation, meals, accommodation, tuition, and selected entrance fees). The final cost will depend on the total number of participants, the EUR/KGS exchange rate, and the current inflation rate in the country.
Airfare: Round trip to Bishkek via Istanbul and back: ca. 700.
Visa/Registration information: German citizens do not need a visa or registration if their stay does not exceed 30 days.
Transportation: Over 1,700 km (averaging < 100 km/day) via Mercedes Sprinter minibuses. Personal luggage, general expedition equipment, cooking utensils, and food supplies will be transported separately by truck.
Route map: will be close to the one shown here: https://go2kgstan.com/route
Accommodation: Primarily tent-based camping in scenic riverside or lakeside locations.
Catering/meals: A professional service team (including four cooks) will provide three meals daily. Breakfast and dinner will be hot meals; lunch will be a buffet or lunch boxes.
Additional Information and Student Testimonials
The summer school planned for 2026 will be the fourth edition since its inception in 2023. We invite you to read a online report from a 2023 participant to get a first-hand perspective: https://www.hswt.de/news-list/detail/sommerschule-kirgisistan-2023-internationale-landschaftsoekologie
A Unique Cultural Experience
From a personal and cultural standpoint, participants of previous years (2023–2025) consistently highlight the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere and traditions of Central Asian life as a deeply enriching and transformative experience.
Key Academic and Practical Learning Outcomes
In terms of theoretical knowledge and practical field skills, students have found the following areas particularly valuable:
Geology and Soil: Understanding the relationship between geological substrates and soil formation across different climatic zones.
Vegetation Dynamics: Studying how climatic and geological environmental factors influence vegetation development.
Ecological Succession: Analyzing succession processes and how landscape genesis shapes plant communities.
Biodiversity Across Climates: Identifying dominant plant species in arid, temperate, and humid climates, as well as in cold and warm regions.
Anthropogenic Impact: Examining the effects of human land use (such as overgrazing and irrigation) on plant communities and the distribution and protection of rare species within the context of local traditions and social conditions.
The Kyrgyz Steppe: Exploring one of the region's most diverse zones, ranging from meadow steppes to desert steppes.
Highland Grasslands: Studying high-altitude pastures (jailoo) used as summer grazing lands, primarily for yaks.
Altitudinal Zonation: Observing different types of forest vegetation across various altitudes, from the foothills up to 3,000 meters above sea level.
Arid Forests: Exploring natural pistachio forests in semi-desert environments.
Walnut Forests of Fergana: Visiting the unique natural walnut forests on the northern slopes of the Fergana Range, focusing on local usage, environmental risks, and conservation efforts.
Issyk-Kul Ecosystems: Studying desert vegetation on the terraces of the western part of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Resource Management: Gaining a deeper understanding of the limitations and regenerative capacities of landscape and soil resources.