Central Asia is a region that heavily relies on its cryosphere, encompassing glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost, for water resources. However, these glaciers are rapidly melting due to climate change, leading to increased risks of water scarcity, natural disasters, and other negative impacts. To address this growing threat, it is crucial for Central Asian countries to strengthen their resilience through comprehensive data collection and the development of effective action plans. 

In light of this, the recent Workshop on strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries through cryosphere data and action plans was organized on April 3-4, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with the aim of enhancing regional cooperation and addressing the various issues faced by the countries in the region. The workshop was organized as part of the project “Strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries by enabling regional cooperation to assess glacial-naval systems to develop integrated methods for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change” and financed by GEF through UNDP and implemented by UNESCO.

The workshop's key objectives revolved around assessing and monitoring the cryosphere, developing sustainable water resources management methods, and formulating strategies to cope with the changing climate. By achieving these objectives, the Central Asian countries would be better equipped to adapt to the challenges brought about by climate change and ensure the sustainable use of their water resources.

The recent Workshop was a groundbreaking event that brought together experts and stakeholders from both the Central Asian region  (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan) and abroad, along with national representatives and experts in the field of cryosphere research and data management. The participants engaged in discussions and shared knowledge and experiences regarding the importance of the cryosphere in the region and the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change. 

One of the highlights of the workshop was the gender balance among participants. This reflects the growing recognition of the importance of gender equality in climate change and resilience efforts, as women are often disproportionately affected by environmental changes and play a crucial role in adaptation and mitigation strategies.

The workshop featured a series of panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions where participants shared their research findings, best practices, and action plans. Topics covered included the latest trends in cryosphere monitoring, the impact of climate change on glaciers and permafrost, and strategies for building resilience at the community level. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in group discussions and networking sessions, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and forging new partnerships.

Overall, the Workshop on strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries through cryosphere data and action plans represents a crucial milestone in the region's efforts to adapt to climate change and promote sustainable development. By building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and implementing coordinated action plans, Central Asian countries can better protect their glaciers and ensure the resilience of their communities in the face of environmental challenges.

About the project

The project “Strengthening the resilience of Central Asian countries by enabling regional cooperation to assess glacio-naval systems to develop integrated methods for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change”  financed by GEF through UNDP and implemented by UNESCO. The project will support two areas of the GEF-7 Strategy: IW-3-5 Enhances water security in freshwater ecosystems through advanced information exchange and early warning, and IW-3-6 enhances water security in freshwater ecosystems through enhanced regional and national cooperation on shared freshwater surface and groundwater basins.

The project is designed to build the capacity of Central Asia through activities that support science-based consensus among the countries to develop the monitoring and assessment of the cryosphere and to enhance understanding of climate change impacts on the cryosphere in Central Asia. The project supports national and regional strategic action programs (SAP), including implementation and demonstration projects that support climate change adaptation in the affected regions. Finally, the project is developing consensus on assessment and monitoring program for the cryosphere in Central Asia and will raise awareness among stakeholders and develop a knowledge platform.

The project represents a pioneering effort to strengthen management capacities and enhance multi-country cooperation in a region highly susceptible to climate impacts. At the regional level, the project estimates that 1,500 people will benefit directly from project activities. Finally, millions of people will benefit indirectly from the institutional mechanisms, policies, and projects that are put into place to improve water resource management in Central Asia.

For more information, please contact, Nana Baramidze: [n.baramidze@unesco.org] 

Words by Adiliya Omarova and Larissa Kogutenko.