Date: 23-24 October 2024 Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan Organizers: UNESCO Office in Almaty, University of Zurich (UZH), and Sensalpin, Switzerland In response to the growing risk of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) due to glacier melting and lake formation across Central Asia, a crucial workshop titled “Glacier Lake Outburst Flood Early Warning Systems: Technical Design, Instrumentation, […]

Date: 19-30 August 2024Location: Dushanbe, Jirgatol, and Kyzylsu Lake, Tajikistan As part of our ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks associated with Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Central Asia, we are excited to announce an upcoming research mission in Tajikistan. Led by the University of Zurich (UZH) scientist Dr. Evan Miles, this mission will […]

As part of the 3rd High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028, a key side event organized by the GLOFCA project took place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on 12 June 2024. The event brought together experts, government representatives, and stakeholders to address the increasing risk of glacier lake outburst […]

The International Glaciers Forum, held on June 10, 2024, in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, marked a significant milestone in advancing the global effort to preserve glaciers amid a changing climate. This pivotal event was part of the 3rd High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development” 2018-2028. The Forum, co-organized by UNESCO, […]

Almaty, Kazakhstan – The third Regional Exchange Workshop of the GLOFCA (Glacier Lake Outburst Floods in a Changing Climate) project, organized by UNESCO Almaty, marked a significant milestone in Central Asia’s efforts to combat the threats posed by glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs). Held on March 6-7, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan, this event brought together […]

Women-Led Expedition Empowers and Educates in Central Asia’s High Mountains In the recent ‘Adventure of Science: Women and Glaciers in Central Asia’ expedition, the focus on climate change adaptation empowered a new generation of young explorers, scientists, and leaders. Hands-On Learning Young participants explored the Kyrgyz Ala Archa National Park, learning about natural hazards like […]

Local Support and Technical Challenges Discussed in Key Stakeholder Meeting In a recent meeting, members of the GLOFCA team, partners, and stakeholders gathered to discuss the development of an Early Warning System (EWS) for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Kyrgyzstan’s Ala-Archa National Park. EWS Progress Shared Laura Niggli and Holger Frey from UZH presented […]

In a recent expedition to the Pamir region, a team of researchers and agencies explored the beauty and hazards of the area, shedding light on crucial findings that have far-reaching implications. Collaborative Research Efforts Collaborative efforts involving the Aga Khan Agency of Habitat (AKAH), Tajik Hydromet, local research institutes, governmental agencies responsible for GLOFs, and […]

Knowledge management is essential for effective disaster response, and GLOFCA is at the forefront. The World Water Development Report 2023 sheds light on innovative trends in monitoring and data accessibility, aligning with our mission to enhance early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods in Central Asia. Google’s Flood Forecasting Initiative Google’s initiative, launched in […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]