Authored by Alua Suleimanova. Interviewed by Zhanar Kulzhanova.
Aliya Tonkobayeva leverages her extensive background in ecology to drive ‘Ecostan News,’ a platform that shapes environmental consciousness in Central Asia. Through engaging content and strategic partnerships, she highlights pressing environmental issues and advocates for sustainable practices. Aliya’s approach integrates traditional nomadic insights with modern activism, enhancing community involvement and influencing policy changes. Her efforts have established a robust network of eco activists and provided critical resources for eco-friendly business transformations. Aliya’s visionary leadership continues to inspire a new generation of environmental journalists, aiming to expand her impact throughout the region.
Aliya Tonkobayeva stands as a beacon of environmental change, leading the pioneering platform ‘Ecostan News’ with a dedication that merges her expertise as an ecologist and her passion for sustainable development. As a seasoned advocate for environmental awareness, Aliya has transformed her deep-rooted understanding of Kazakhstan’s ecological challenges into a dynamic force for promoting sustainability across the region. Rooted deeply in her early education in Karaganda and advanced studies in ecology at Karaganda State University, Aliya has devoted over two decades to environmental advocacy. Her unique journalistic approach intertwines Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage with modern ecological challenges, making ‘Ecostan News’ a beacon of green journalism.
Aliya’s platform has rapidly emerged as a pivotal force in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness across Kazakhstan. Utilizing social media, she engages with a wide audience, including researchers and regional eco-activists, thereby amplifying her impact. ‘Ecostan News’ serves not just as a news outlet but as an educational and advocacy platform, offering insights into local environmental issues and promoting sustainable business practices. Under Aliya’s leadership, the platform has spearheaded significant projects such as the turtle release collaboration with the ‘Tasbaqa Foundation’ and the ACBC, emphasizing practical environmental actions.
Aliya Tonkobayeva leverages her extensive background in ecology to drive ‘Ecostan News,’ a platform that shapes environmental consciousness in Central Asia. Through engaging content and strategic partnerships, she highlights pressing environmental issues and advocates for sustainable practices. Aliya’s approach integrates traditional nomadic insights with modern activism, enhancing community involvement and influencing policy changes. Her efforts have established a robust network of eco activists and provided critical resources for eco-friendly business transformations. Aliya’s visionary leadership continues to inspire a new generation of environmental journalists, aiming to expand her impact throughout the region.
Aliya Tonkobayeva stands as a beacon of environmental change, leading the pioneering platform ‘Ecostan News’ with a dedication that merges her expertise as an ecologist and her passion for sustainable development. As a seasoned advocate for environmental awareness, Aliya has transformed her deep-rooted understanding of Kazakhstan’s ecological challenges into a dynamic force for promoting sustainability across the region. Rooted deeply in her early education in Karaganda and advanced studies in ecology at Karaganda State University, Aliya has devoted over two decades to environmental advocacy. Her unique journalistic approach intertwines Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage with modern ecological challenges, making ‘Ecostan News’ a beacon of green journalism.
Aliya’s platform has rapidly emerged as a pivotal force in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness across Kazakhstan. Utilizing social media, she engages with a wide audience, including researchers and regional eco-activists, thereby amplifying her impact. ‘Ecostan News’ serves not just as a news outlet but as an educational and advocacy platform, offering insights into local environmental issues and promoting sustainable business practices. Under Aliya’s leadership, the platform has spearheaded significant projects such as the turtle release collaboration with the ‘Tasbaqa Foundation’ and the ACBC, emphasizing practical environmental actions.

Driven by a philosophy that marries the nomadic tradition of movement and communication with ecological activism, Aliya has developed a responsive business model that addresses environmental issues dynamically. She states, “Nomadic eco-journalism strengthens our position as specialists in the region,” showcasing her commitment to adapting traditional knowledge to contemporary challenges. Her visionary approach extends to using local symbols like the tumbleweed in their branding, which underscores the connection to Kazakhstan’s heritage and the landscape.
Despite facing financial challenges and market resistance, particularly against her anti-nuclear stance, Aliya’s persistent devotion has seen ‘Ecostan News’ grow into a crucial resource for eco-activists. Her platform not only informs but also empowers its audience with necessary knowledge to participate effectively in climate advocacy, providing detailed analyses and updates on topics like the carbon neutrality transition strategy and climate negotiations. Aliya’s impact extends beyond reporting, as she actively engages in highlighting local and regional environmental challenges, thereby initiating public discourse and action on these critical issues. Through educational initiatives, she empowers communities with the knowledge necessary for sustainable living, while her policy advocacy influences the development of environmentally sound legislation.
Her consultancy helps businesses implement eco-friendly practices, contributing to a sustainable economic model. Furthermore, Aliya has built a strong network of environmental activists and organizations across Central Asia, enhancing collaborative efforts and collective action against ecological degradation. For the future, Aliya is committed to expanding ‘Ecostan News’’s reach across Central Asia by educating young people on effective environmental reporting and increasing the platform’s regional engagement.
Aliya Tonkobayeva’s narrative through ‘Ecostan News’ is more than just a tale of environmental journalism; it is a testament to the power of integrating cultural heritage with modern sustainability challenges to inspire and facilitate real-world impact. Her efforts exemplify how passionate commitment to a cause can lead to significant environmental and social advancements, reinforcing her belief: “In a world where numbers often overshadow stories, it is the personal experiences and shared journeys that truly drive change.”
Despite facing financial challenges and market resistance, particularly against her anti-nuclear stance, Aliya’s persistent devotion has seen ‘Ecostan News’ grow into a crucial resource for eco-activists. Her platform not only informs but also empowers its audience with necessary knowledge to participate effectively in climate advocacy, providing detailed analyses and updates on topics like the carbon neutrality transition strategy and climate negotiations. Aliya’s impact extends beyond reporting, as she actively engages in highlighting local and regional environmental challenges, thereby initiating public discourse and action on these critical issues. Through educational initiatives, she empowers communities with the knowledge necessary for sustainable living, while her policy advocacy influences the development of environmentally sound legislation.
Her consultancy helps businesses implement eco-friendly practices, contributing to a sustainable economic model. Furthermore, Aliya has built a strong network of environmental activists and organizations across Central Asia, enhancing collaborative efforts and collective action against ecological degradation. For the future, Aliya is committed to expanding ‘Ecostan News’’s reach across Central Asia by educating young people on effective environmental reporting and increasing the platform’s regional engagement.
Aliya Tonkobayeva’s narrative through ‘Ecostan News’ is more than just a tale of environmental journalism; it is a testament to the power of integrating cultural heritage with modern sustainability challenges to inspire and facilitate real-world impact. Her efforts exemplify how passionate commitment to a cause can lead to significant environmental and social advancements, reinforcing her belief: “In a world where numbers often overshadow stories, it is the personal experiences and shared journeys that truly drive change.”
