Eco-Trek 15, Welcome to Kazakhstan!

When considering places that are hard at work making the second green revolution come to fruition, places like oil-rich Kazakhstan may not jump to mind. After 110 days on the road, the Mercedes-Benz F-Cell World Drive is on its way back to Stuttgart. As the trip winds down, Eco-Trek will focus its upcoming episodes on the fuel cell technology that has powered the trip. But first, here are a few highlights from the central Asian country of Kazakhstan. They include a partnership with Washington State University to bring sustainable agriculture to the former Soviet bloc nation and the world’s largest tent, designed by famed architect Norman Foster who has worked on a number of “green projects” in Europe and the United States, perhaps most notably the Masdar Initiative in the United Arab Emirates. Be sure to check out the video below:

Almaty or Alma Ata as the city was known until 1997 when it gave up being the capitol of Kazakhstan to Astana, historically has always been the threshold between Orient and Occident. The central Asian country, culturally and politically connects the West with the East.

The Washington State University department teamed up with some Kazakh students to re-design a botanic garden in Almaty. This is part of a greater initiative by the University to develop sustainable agriculture in southern Kazakhstan, developing renewable energy systems; water and hydro-energy projects The initiative is paired with consulting to help farmers and entrepreneurs develop economically sustainable businesses.

Khan Shatyr: The world’s largest tent is now an iconic landmark of Kazakhstan’s new capitol, Astana. Designed by Norman Foster, the 150 meter tall structure has a lot of impressive green features from copious natural day lighting to interior gardens and living systems. Although the outside temperature varies from -35 degrees to +35 degrees Celsius, the interior maintains a moderate 15-30 degrees.

[Image source]