Taalai Mambetov, GRÓ LRT Alumnus: Advancing Sustainable Land Use and Ecological Restoration
Taalai Mambetov, GRÓ LRT 2024 alumnus, works as a lecturer at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) and Kyrgyz National University (KNU), where he teaches courses on environmental sustainability, climate science, botany and plant physiology. Alongside teaching, he conducts research on ecological restoration, sustainable land use and soil carbon assessment. One of his main challenges in his work is promoting sustainable management of natural ecosystems, particularly pasturelands and degraded soils, which are crucial for Kyrgyzstan's agricultural sector. Currently, Taalai is pursuing a PhD at the Institute of Biology, National Academy of Science of Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on grass species for land restoration.
Kyrgyzstan faces significant challenges related to land degradation, particularly overgrazing and soil erosion, which threaten agricultural productivity and biodiversity. However, Taalai says there are also opportunities, such as increasing awareness of sustainable land management practices and integrating scientific research into policymaking. His work focuses on soil carbon monitoring and restoration strategies, which contribute to addressing these environmental challenges.
Joining GRÓ LRT and the Training Experience
Taalai says that the GRÓ LRT programme was instrumental in advancing his career and research. “The training deepened my understanding of sustainable soil management, carbon sequestration techniques, and ecological restoration. Since completing the programme, I have been applying these concepts in my research, including projects such as organic carbon measurement in Chuy valley soils and establishing soil map with SOC distribution” says Taalai and adds that the knowledge he has gained has also helped him in developing more effective teaching materials for his students.
During his time in Iceland, Taalai studied soil restoration techniques, organic carbon assessment and sustainable land management practices. His research project focused on soil organic matter measurements and soil organic carbon in Icelandic soils. He chose this topic because soil carbon plays a crucial role in soil fertility and climate change mitigation. In Kyrgyzstan, soil degradation is a pressing issue, and improving understanding of soil organic carbon dynamics can support sustainable agricultural and land restoration efforts.
Taalai says that it was a stroke of luck to be selected for the GRÓ LRT programme. “In the fall of 2024, the Director of the GRÓ LRT, Dr. Sjöfn, visited AUCA and gave a guest lecture on land restoration and introduced the programme. I was invited to this lecture by my colleague, as their center had organized it. After the lecture, I was introduced to Dr. Sjöfn, and we had a short conversation, after which she invited me to send my resume and apply for the selection process. Having sent my resume, I did not have high expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised when, in late October, I received an email inviting me to an interview. Based on the results of the interview and subsequent discussions, I was nominated and ultimately selected as a participant in the programme.”
Taalai describes the training he received as an enriching experience, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork. The multidisciplinary approach allowed him to learn from experts in land restoration, soil science and sustainable development. The hands-on field exercises, visits to restoration sites, and collaboration with international peers made the experience even more valuable. The programme also helped him establish professional connections that continue to benefit his research today.
From Icelandic Landscapes to Lifelong Connections
Taalai describes Iceland as an extraordinary country with breathtaking landscapes and a unique cultural heritage. “One of my most vivid memories is witnessing the contrast between fire and ice, volcanic activity coexisting with vast glaciers. Visiting geysers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches left a lasting impression on me. Beyond the natural wonders, I also enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Icelandic people and the camaraderie among my fellow participants.”
After the GRÓ LRT training programme Taalai is still in contact with many of his fellow participants. They have a whatsapp group where they share updates, research findings and career developments. “I hope to meet them again in the future and continue collaborating on research projects related to land restoration” says Taalai.
Taalai’s advice to current GRÓ fellows is to make the most of this unique opportunity. “Engage fully in the training, ask questions, and participate in discussions. Build strong networks with peers and faculty, as these connections can lead to future collaborations. Also, take time to explore Iceland and appreciate its incredible nature and culture”.
The Vanishing Glaciers of Iceland and Kyrgyzstan
Looking back, Taalai says that there were many memorable moments during the training, as each trip and topic was deeply engaging. “However, one particular experience left a profound impression on me, not just due to its scale, but because it highlighted a global challenge. During a three-day trip to the southeast of Iceland, we visited Vatnajökull National Park, the largest in the country. There, we had the privilege of seeing the Vatnajökull glacier and the areas it once occupied over the past century. The extent of its retreat was staggering, although I don’t recall the exact amount of ice lost, its length had shrunk by hundreds of meters. Even more alarming was learning that this trend is accelerating. This issue resonated deeply with me, as Kyrgyzstan faces a similar crisis, our glaciers are also retreating at an alarming rate. If we will not take action now, we may lose them entirely within the next 50–70 years. One of the most effective solutions is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. In this context, studying soil carbon sequestration dynamics becomes crucial, as it plays a vital role in climate change mitigation”.