GLOFCA is a regional initiative working to reduce the risks of glacier lake outburst floods in Central Asia. Through early warning systems, risk assessments, and community-based adaptation, the project connects science, policy, and local action to build resilience in high mountain regions.
Project Overview
The “Reducing vulnerabilities of populations in Central Asia from glacier lake outburst floods in a changing climate” (GLOFCA) project, launched in April 2021, is a UNESCO initiative funded by the Adaptation Fund.
The project aims to mitigate GLOF risks by assessing vulnerabilities, mapping glacier lakes, increasing local awareness, and implementing Early Warning Systems (EWS) in pilot communities across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
Highlands of the Pskem
Across Central Asia, GLOFCA works with local communities to assess risks, implement early warning systems, and protect lives.
Climate Risks in Central Asia: Melting Glaciers, Rising Threats
How climate change endangers vulnerable communities and calls for urgent regional cooperation against glacier-related disasters
Rising Threats
Central Asia’s glaciers are shrinking at a rate of 0.2–1% per year by volume, leading to the rapid formation of unstable glacial lakes. In the Tien Shan range alone, projected warming could cause glacier losses of up to 66%, increasing the risk of sudden outburst floods in remote, unmonitored areas.
Vulnerable Populations
High-mountain communities, especially women, children, the elderly, and low-income groups, face elevated GLOF risks due to limited preparedness. Migration and mountain tourism also raise exposure in already fragile areas.
Transboundary Hazards
GLOFs cross borders and have caused severe damage, as seen in Uzbekistan (1998) and Tajikistan (2002). With over 1,000 high-risk lakes identified in the CA region, regional cooperation on monitoring and early warning is essential. GLOFCA fosters this through joint action and knowledge sharing.
Objectives and Approach
GLOFCA strengthens climate change adaptation in Central Asia by reducing risks and vulnerabilities associated with GLOFs. Key objectives include:
Assessing vulnerabilities and risks
Strengthening monitoring and response capacities
Establishing early warning systems
Raising awareness among decision-makers and communities
Through scientific research, risk assessments, and capacity-building initiatives, the project equips local authorities and communities to respond effectively to GLOF threats. GLOFCA’s efforts enhance regional preparedness, safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
DRR & Adaptation in Central Asia
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) are gaining momentum in Central Asia. However, challenges persist, including:
Limited focus on prevention and preparedness
Weak policy coordination
Insufficient monitoring and risk analysis
Gaps in early warning systems and public awareness
GLOFCA addresses these barriers, supporting the region’s shift toward proactive DRR and climate resilience.
Pilot Projects
Across Central Asia, GLOFCA works with local communities to assess risks, implement early warning systems, and protect lives. Explore our pilot sites in the region’s most vulnerable glacier valleys.
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.
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.
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.
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.
