GLOFCA

Central Asia’s Glacier Lake Outburst Flood Knowledge Hub

A regional knowledge platform for disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. From science to action for communities of the region.

Supported by National and International Partners

GLOFCA is implemented in close collaboration with national, regional, and international partners whose expertise strengthens glacier hazard management and supports community-driven resilience across Central Asia’s high mountain regions.

What Are We Doing About GLOFs?

In Central Asia, climate change is accelerating glacier melt, leading to the formation of unstable lakes in high mountain valleys. When these lakes burst, floods can travel far downstream, threatening lives, infrastructure, and economies. Limited monitoring and the abundance of high-risk areas make GLOFs one of the region’s most serious climate-related hazards.

Launched in 2021, the GLOFCA project works to reduce GLOF risks through early warning systems, stronger community preparedness, and regional cooperation. The project is implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty and funded by the Adaptation Fund, covering Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

7 high-risk areas covered

The project focuses on seven priority valleys: Esik and Talgar (KZ), Ala-Archa and Ton-Tosor (KG), Baralmos Glacier area (TJ), and Pskem and Tepar (UZ).

4 warning and monitoring systems

One early warning (or monitoring) system is being installed in each country to improve disaster preparedness and reduce GLOF risk.

More than 100,000 people protected

100K+

The project aims to safeguard vulnerable mountain communities in the pilot areas through locally tailored risk reduction and adaptation measures.

News

Follow the latest updates from the GLOFCA project: from field missions and early warning system installations to national consultations and regional cooperation efforts.

Event

Kyrgyz Republic

15 May 2025

Across Central Asia

Event

23 March 2025

GLOFCA Participates in High-Level Glacier Preservation Conference in Tajikistan

On 20–21 March 2025, the GLOFCA project was represented at the International Scientific and Practical Conference on “Preservation of Glaciers – The Basis for Ensuring Water, Food, Energy, and Environmental Security”, held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Event

22 March 2025

GLOFCA at the First World Day for Glaciers: Side Event in Paris

On 21 March 2025, the GLOFCA project was featured during a high-level side event at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Pilot Projects

In the region’s most vulnerable glacier valleys, GLOFCA works with local communities to assess risks, install early warning systems, and strengthen preparedness. Explore our pilot sites across Central Asia.

Kazakhstan

In the Ile Alatau mountains, GLOFCA supports early warning and engineering measures in the Esik and Talgar river basins, which are home to moraine-dammed lakes threatening communities, infrastructure, and UNESCO-listed heritage.

Kyrgyz Republic

In Ala-Archa and Ton-Tosor valleys, GLOFCA monitors unstable glacial lakes, supports local preparedness, and is installing an early warning system to reduce flood risks in high-risk communities.

Uzbekistan

In the Pskem River basin, GLOFCA works to reduce flood and landslide risks from large glacial lakes threatening villages, hydropower, and tourism in Tepar and Pskem.

Tajikistan

In the Saidoi Nasafi (Baralmos) Glacier area, GLOFCA supports risk mapping, community outreach, and the installation of an early warning system. The region has experienced repeated GLOF events, which have damaged roads and other critical infrastructure.

Kazakhstan

Kyrgyz Republic

In Ala-Archa and Ton-Tosor valleys, GLOFCA monitors unstable glacial lakes, supports local preparedness, and is installing an early warning system to reduce flood risks in high-risk communities.

Uzbekistan

In the Pskem River basin, GLOFCA works to reduce flood and landslide risks from large glacial lakes threatening villages, hydropower, and tourism in Tepar and Pskem.

Tajikistan

Resources & Publications

Access our comprehensive collection of scientific research, policy frameworks, and practical guidelines developed to strengthen regional capacity for GLOF management and community preparedness throughout Central Asia.

Brochure

Regional

17 July 2025

GLOFCA EWS Leaflet

The GLOFCA Project has developed a visual to better explain the mechanism of the EWS that will be employed in the project’s pilot sites.

PDF

Original

28 April 2025

GLOFCA Project in Action: Quarterly Newsletter – Q1 2025

The first edition of the GLOFCA Quarterly Newsletter for 2025 features highlights from our participation in key events and upcoming plans for Early Warning System installations across Central Asia. The newsletter is available in two languages (English and Russian).