On January 13, 14, and 16, 2025, Dushanbe hosted a series of workshops focused on developing a roadmap to reduce the risk of glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the context of climate change. The event was organized by the Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, in collaboration with the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, as part of the GLOFCA project funded by the Adaptation Fund.
The workshops aimed to develop practical recommendations for drafting the roadmap, taking into account priority areas outlined in National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period up to 2030. The strategy identifies key sectors most vulnerable to climate change, which are energy, water resources, transport, and agriculture.
During the sessions experts, scientists, and government representatives discussed the current and potential threats associated with glacier lakes and their impact on the identified priority sectors. Participants analyzed climate change impact on the formation and outbursts of glacier lakes, reviewed real-life case studies and international best practices, and proposed measures to address these risks. The final recommendations will serve as a foundation for national planning efforts in climate change adaptation (CCA).
The GLOFCA project supports CCA efforts by implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate the risks associated with GLOFs in Central Asia. The project focuses on monitoring glacier lake conditions, developing and installing early warning systems, and enhancing disaster preparedness through specialist training and public awareness initiatives.
