About me

Hi there,
welcome to DalaSpace.

I’m Zhanna Esen, and for more than 20 years I’ve been studying, writing about, and working on climate change across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to international development projects focused on water resource management, climate risk, environmental policy, and sustainable development. I’ve also collaborated with scientific and research communities working to better understand our changing environment.

My work has given me a unique perspective, spanning fieldwork, policy discussions, institutions, and research. Yet one thing has always stood out to me: Central Asia remains largely absent from global climate conversations despite being one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change.

Why DalaSpace?

Coming from the vast steppes of Kazakhstan and now living far from home, I felt a strong desire to help bridge this gap. DalaSpace was created to share the climate stories, challenges, and solutions emerging from Central Asia with a wider audience.

The name “Dala” comes from the Kazakh word for steppe, reflecting both the landscapes that shaped me and the region whose voice deserves greater recognition in discussions about climate resilience and climate justice.

What You’ll Find Here

Through DalaSpace, I share:

Climate and environmental developments across Central Asia
Insights from research and policy
Stories of adaptation and resilience
Practical explanations of complex climate topics
Resources for learning more about the region and its environmental future

DalaEchoes Podcast

Alongside this blog, I host DalaEchoes, a Russian-language podcast created for audiences across Central Asia.

The podcast aims to make scientific and environmental information accessible, relatable, and relevant to everyday life. Climate change is not just a global challenge. It is something we experience in our communities, our water systems, our agriculture, and our daily lives.

My Hope

Whether you’re a researcher, student, policymaker, climate professional, or simply curious about Central Asia, I hope DalaSpace helps you better understand the environmental realities, challenges, and opportunities shaping our region today.

Thank you for being here.