The event was inaugurated by the Chairman of QazaqGeography, Eric Khamzinov Sultanov. Following his congratulatory speech, he highlighted that «the main purpose of the meeting is to acknowledge the guests' contributions to the development of geography and ecology».
The «ŞOQAN UÄLIHAN» badge is awarded for scientific merits in the field of geography, history of geographic knowledge and discoveries, scientific advancement, as well as for making a significant contribution to achieving the goals and objectives of QazaqGeography. List of citizens first honored with this badge:
1. Baigarin Kanat Abdualievich – Founder of the Association, Advisor to the President of Nazarbayev University, Chair of the Management Committee of the Samgau Scientific and Technological Initiative Fund Council.
2. Medeu Akhmetkal Rakhmetullaevich - Geographical scientist, Doctor of Geographic Sciences, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Director of the Institute of Geography, Chair of the Board of Directors of JSC «Institute of Geography and Water Safety», Chair of the Association's Management Council.
3. Ismailov Ulzhabai Zhumagaleevich – Honored Geologist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Corresponding Member of the International Academy of Mineral Resources, Head of the Association's representation in the Kostanay region.
4. Kozhakhmetov Baktyar Saparbekovich – Geographer, Head of the Association's representation in the Ulytau region.
5. Ermekbai Zharas Aqyshuly – Doctor of Historical Sciences, author of over 100 scientific and popular science publications, books, articles, and abstracts, Corresponding Member of the Russian Geographical Society.
6. Mazbayev Ordenbek Blisbekovich - Doctor of Geographic Sciences, Academician of the International Academy of Information Technologies, Professor of the Tourism Department at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Independent Director of JSC «Institute of Geography and Water Safety», Founder of the Association.
7. Kotyrashov Sarsenbai Ospanovich – Hiker, marathon runner, resident of the Ulytau region.
8. Vervekin Alexander Anatolyevich - Founder and Director of the «Pavlodar House of Geography» NGO (PavGeo), Head of the Association's representation in the Pavlodar region.
9. Sergeeva Aigul Maksatovna – Associate Professor, PhD in Geography, Head of the Association's representation in the Aktobe region.
10. Dashko Olga Alexandrovna – Head of the «Federation of Mountaineering and Sports Tourism YUKO» NGO, Head of the Association's representation in Shymkent.
11. Guzhavin Alexander Olegovich – Director of «Qyzylsai» and «Asemtal» LLP.
12. Alkeev Zhanybek Nurlanovich – Managing Director of «Qyzylsai» and «Asemtal» LLP.
13. Yen Victoria Valeryevna - Marketing and PR Director of Qazaq National Parks.
14. Abubakirov Arthur Serikovich – Deputy Chairman of the Association's Board (from March 2021 to August 2023).
15. Meirmanova Binagul Berikovna – Director of the Accounting and Economic Planning Department of the Association.
16. Egizbayeva Asel Nurmukhametovna – Director of the Administrative-Legal Support Department of the Association.
17. Tabelinova Aida Serikpaevna – Chief Manager of the Project and International Activities Department of the Association, PhD in Geography.
We sincerely congratulate all our colleagues who worked tirelessly for the development of our country and were awarded the first «ŞOQAN UÄLIHAN» badge!
