From 15 to 19 June 2026, a professional training seminar was held in Shymkent for specialists from the testing laboratories of the territorial Departments of Ecology under the Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The training focused on ensuring the quality of environmental water sample testing in accordance with the requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 17025.
The seminar brought together laboratory specialists from regional Departments of Ecology across Kazakhstan. Over five days, participants strengthened their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in water sampling, sample preservation, transportation and storage, preparation of standard solutions, spectrophotometric and X-ray fluorescence analysis, determination of petroleum products and heavy metals, as well as quality assurance and quality control procedures for laboratory measurements.
A strong emphasis was placed on practical exercises using modern laboratory equipment, data processing and interpretation, laboratory documentation, and the application of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements in the daily work of environmental laboratories.
The seminar was organized by the Committee for Environmental Regulation and Control of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the support of the Regional Programme “European Union for Sustainable Central Asia: Joint Actions on Water, Energy and Climate Change,” co-financed by the European Union and implemented by GIZ.
By strengthening the capacities of environmental laboratory specialists, the training contributes to improving the accuracy and reliability of water quality monitoring, enhancing environmental monitoring systems, and promoting the wider application of internationally recognized laboratory standards for the sustainable management and protection of water resources.
