News Category: Partnership

Kazakhstan, August 2023 

This summer, the Kazakh mountains have witnessed a period of heightened natural hazards, particularly from glacier lakes and slopes near Almaty city. Intense rainfall triggered mudflows that damaged roads and structures, though fortunately, no lives were lost. In a bid to fortify the region against such threats, the GLOFCA team visited Almaty in August 2023 to advance the design of an Early Warning System (EWS) and continue their project work.

Key Partnerships for Safer Environments

During this visit, Dr. Alessandro Cicoira engaged with crucial organizations. He was welcomed by the Institute of Geography and Water Security, the Glaciological Centre Under the Auspices of UNESCO, and the State Institute Kazselezashita. These collaborations form the backbone of efforts to improve hazard management.

Concrete Steps for Mitigation

Dr. Cicoira’s stay included productive interactions. At the Institute of Geography, Prof Akhmetkal Medeu and Mr. Nikolay Popov discussed plans for implementing new mitigation measures in Kazakhstan. These measures are designed to minimize risks and enhance protection.

Field Insights Inform Action

A thorough field visit, including a revisit to the Medeu dam and surrounding areas, allowed the GLOFCA team to gather critical data. Colleagues from the Kazselezashita institute, led by Deputy Head Mr. Murat Kassenov, provided valuable insights into potential installation locations. These insights will shape implementation proposals and be presented at an upcoming workshop.

Towards a Stronger Early Warning System

Local experts contributed actively to shaping the EWS design. Valuable input on logistics, administration, politics, and technical aspects of the system was provided by colleagues from local institutions. Their shared goal is to create a modern, robust, and sustainable early warning system that safeguards Almaty, the former capital city, for years to come.

Fostering Successful Cooperation

The visit’s intensity was a result of the strong partnership between the University of Zurich and local collaborators. This collaboration has been instrumental in the project’s progress. With this visit, the project enters a pivotal phase, focusing on planning and implementing active mitigation measures to address the risk of mudflows.

As the GLOFCA team captured crucial insights and fostered collaboration, they demonstrated the power of international cooperation in mitigating natural hazards. The journey to secure Almaty’s safety continues, with practical steps towards a resilient future.

For more information about the project and its progress: https://glofca.org/news/

Kazakhstan, July 2022

Kazakhstan’s worldwide recognition for its mudflow research and expertise in managing natural hazards took center stage as the GLOFCA team explored the city of Almaty. The city’s formidable shield against hazards, large dams, impressed the team. The region’s elaborate network of monitoring stations, spread across mountain catchments, was an integral resource for local experts.

Key Collaborations for Enhanced Preparedness

Dr. Alessandro Cicoira was extended a warm welcome by the Institute of Geography and Water Security, the Glaciological Centre Under the Auspices of UNESCO, and the State Institute Kazselezashita. This partnership is pivotal for the success of projects aimed at making Kazakhstan more resilient.

On-Site Insights Deepen Understanding

The GLOFCA team delved into the field, with Dr. Cicoira and Dr. Munch from the SLF Snow and Avalanche Research Institute in Davos visiting the Tu Juksuur glacier. Accompanied by experts from the Central Asian Regional Glaciological Center (CARGC), they observed ongoing measurements despite adverse weather conditions. While weather thwarted some plans, it fueled compelling discussions. The team was treated to an exquisite meal at 3000 meters elevation, prepared by the gracious hosting team composed of Sandugash Usenovna Ranova, Vassiliy Petrovich Kapitza, Alexandr Borosovich Yegorov, Maria Evgenyevna Tatkova, Nikolay Yevgenyevich Kassatkin, and Aidana Kamalbekova.

Taking Action to Safeguard Almaty Region

A significant field survey focused on the Issik and Talgar catchments, integral to the GLOFCA Project. Mr. Murat Kassenov, Deputy Head of Kazselezashita, personally guided the visit, shedding light on Almaty Regions’s challenges and the solutions put in place. The Institute’s robust structure effectively addresses common hazards like snow avalanches, debris flows, mud flows, and landslides.

A Roadmap for Future Cooperation

Collaboration expanded to Al-Farabi University, where Dr. Salnikov and Dr. Taukebayev actively proposed synergies. The university’s hub, which includes the development of Early Warning Systems (EWS) for mudflows, aligned with the state institution Kazselezashita.

Strengthened Alliances for Safer Tomorrows

Coordination by the UNESCO office of Almaty enabled the Kazakh partners to demonstrate their operational strategies to counter GLOF and mud flow threats. Effective communication among partners ensured the smooth organization of future activities. The visit’s close marked the preparation for an international workshop on numerical modeling of GLOFs with the Software RAMMS, leaving the partners energized and ready for the next phase of the project.

As Kazakhstan and global allies join forces to tackle natural hazards, these collaborations hold the promise of creating more resilient communities in the face of adversity.

For further project insights and updates: https://glofca.org/news/

In a significant effort to enhance safety and disaster preparedness in Central Asia, researchers at the University of Zurich (UZH) have planned the work for 2023 under the GLOFCA project, led by UNESCO and funded by Adaptation Fund. The work plan seeks to develop advanced tools, guidance documents, and early warning systems to protect communities from potential glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

Component 1: Tool Box Development

Under this component, UZH researchers are working on the development and finalization of a prototype tool for lake mapping. The tool will enable experts to gather crucial data from glacial lakes, even in challenging conditions like cloud cover or remote locations. The final prototype will be presented through webinars and workshops, fostering knowledge transfer among stakeholders.

Moreover, a comprehensive atlas on glacial lakes will be created based on the developed tool. This updated inventory will provide valuable insights into lake conditions and serve as a regional reference. By sharing this atlas with partners through online webinars and workshops, the project aims to promote better lake monitoring and management strategies.

Component 2: Best Practice Guidance Document

A methodological framework for assessing and mapping downstream GLOF hazard based on international best practices is being prepared. By co-authoring chapters of the Best Practice Guidance Document with inputs from local partners, the researchers will ensure a collaborative and region-specific approach.

The project team will also conduct hazard and risk modeling, using the outlined approaches in the guidance document. This modeling will help identify potential GLOF risks in both first-order (all lakes) and local detailed scenarios (pilot communities). Local scientists will be engaged in joint modeling and capacity building to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the hazards.

Component 3: Institutional DRR Framework

Institutional profiles for involved authorities will be developed to establish a local to regional framework for disaster risk reduction (DRR). By creating a GLOF Early Warning System (EWS) protocol, the project aims to streamline responsibilities, procedures, and information sharing among authorities. This step will contribute to efficient decision-making during emergencies.

Component 4: Site-Specific EWS Design and Implementation

One of the most critical aspects of the project is the site-specific monitoring concepts for each EWS. Based on detailed hazard assessments and process understanding, these concepts will provide essential data for reliable monitoring and warning capabilities. The involvement of local experts ensures that the EWS is tailored to each community’s needs and risks.

Component 5: Contribution to Web-Based Knowledge Platform

The University will contribute to the web-based knowledge platform to disseminate project outputs, including maps and plans. The platform serves as a valuable resource for researchers, authorities, and communities seeking information on glacial lake management and disaster preparedness.

Importance of the Tasks

The tasks under each component hold immense importance for safeguarding communities living near glacial lakes. By developing advanced tools and guidance documents, researchers can provide authorities and stakeholders with crucial data and knowledge for decision-making. The implementation of site-specific monitoring concepts will significantly improve early warning capabilities, allowing communities to respond effectively to potential GLOFs.

Through the web-based knowledge platform, the project ensures that the gathered information and best practices are easily accessible to a wide range of users. This knowledge exchange is vital for strengthening regional collaboration and disaster resilience in Central Asia.

As glacial lakes continue to be both awe-inspiring natural wonders and potential hazards, the UZH-led project’s comprehensive efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development and the safety of communities in the region. By fostering collaboration and leveraging advanced technology, this ambitious initiative sets a precedent for enhanced glacial lake management worldwide.