Introduction
Introduction
Central Asia is facing significant challenges in coping with the adverse effects of climate change, particularly related to glacier melting and the formation of glacial lakes. This region has been identified as one of the most sensitive areas to climate change in Europe and Central Asia, with limited adaptive capacity. The impacts of climate change, including water-related disasters, pose a key threat to socio-economically disadvantaged groups, indigenous communities, ethnic minorities, women, children, and the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable due to low resilience and coping capacities.
Glacier Melting and GLOFs
Glacial melting and the formation of glacial lakes are among the most significant effects of global warming in Central Asia. The rate of glacier loss in the region is currently estimated to be 0.2-1% per year in volume, leading to the increased danger of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). Studies indicate that future climate change could result in substantial glacier mass loss, with potential losses ranging from 31% to 66% in the Tien Shan range alone. GLOFs have already caused significant economic damages and loss of life in the region, with examples such as the 1998 GLOF in Uzbekistan and the 2002 GLOF in Tajikistan.
GLOF Hazards and Exposure
GLOFs have proven to be a transboundary hazard, affecting multiple countries in Central Asia. They have resulted in fatalities, economic losses, and damages to infrastructure, including the evacuation of communities. The incidence of dangerous glacial lakes is also increasing, with numerous lakes identified as being in acute danger of failure. Experts estimate that nearly 100,000 people in mountainous areas face GLOF threats, and many others downstream are also at risk. The vulnerability of these communities is further exacerbated by the popularity of mountainous areas as tourist destinations.
DRR and Adaptation in Central Asia
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) efforts have gained importance in the region, with commitments and initiatives to develop and monitor regional and national programs for DRR. However, the focus has traditionally been on disaster response rather than prevention and preparedness. Institutional, organizational, and individual-level barriers hinder effective DRR and adaptation, including a lack of policy coordination, insufficient monitoring and risk analysis, limited capacities for early warning systems, and a lack of awareness, education, and training opportunities.
Project Objectives
The objective of the project is to strengthen adaptation to climate change in Central Asia by reducing societal risks and vulnerabilities associated with GLOFs. The project aims to assess vulnerability, strengthen monitoring and response capacities, establish early warning systems, and raise awareness among decision-makers and communities. The project aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG targets 11.5, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Target Area of the Project
The project focuses on vulnerable communities in the mountain ranges of Central Asia. Pilot communities have been selected based on representativeness, exposure to GLOF threats, and vulnerability. These communities include Esik and Talgar in Kazakhstan, Tosh-Bulak, Yurevka and Alaarcha in Kyrgyzstan, Shugnon in Tajikistan, and Pskem and Tepar in Uzbekistan.
Barriers to Adaptation
Multiple barriers at the institutional, organizational, and individual levels hinder effective DRR and adaptation in Central Asia. These barriers include a lack of policy coordination, low capacities for risk analysis and early warning systems, insufficient monitoring, limited awareness and education, and a critical gap in knowledge among relevant authorities and communities.
Project Management
The project is being implemented by the UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty, in collaboration with the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, and in partnership with the University of Zurich, Switzerland. The project follows a regional approach, integrating international expertise with regional and local experts. The UNESCO Almaty Office has established and supervises the Project Management Unit (PMU) and ensures coordination with national and regional institutions and authorities. The project also involves a Project Steering Committee (PSC) and an Information and Experience Sharing Committee (IESC) to provide strategic guidance and facilitate information exchange.
The project aims to address the challenges posed by GLOFs and strengthen adaptation to climate change in Central Asia. By assessing vulnerability, enhancing monitoring and response capacities, establishing early warning systems, and raising awareness, the project seeks to reduce societal risks and vulnerabilities. Through collaboration between international and regional partners, it aims to promote a culture of resilience and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
To learn more about the project, check out the full project document by this link.