Early Warning

Regional

14 April 2026

Central Asia is experiencing accelerated glacier melt. Under a high-emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5), the region could lose up to 85% of its glacier volume by 2100. This places increasing pressure on water resources, infrastructure and communities, while also heightening the risk of natural hazards, including glacier lake outburst floods. As these processes are transboundary in nature, they require coordinated responses at the regional level.

As part of the Regional Ecological Summit (RES), to be held on 22–24 April 2026, the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty will organize three thematic events. These are implemented under the UNESCO–AF GLOFCA project and the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO Cryosphere Project and aim to strengthen regional cooperation and promote practical approaches to climate change adaptation.

23 April (09:00–10:45)

The session “The Cryosphere of Central Asia: From Scientific Assessment to Joint Climate Adaptation Action” will focus on the interlinkages between changes in high-mountain ecosystems and water availability in the region. Representatives of Central Asian countries will discuss the Joint Subregional Action Programme (JSAP), aimed at strengthening cooperation in monitoring and research of cryosphere components. The JSAP will be presented as a key framework for joint action, supporting enhanced intergovernmental cooperation and alignment of regional adaptation approaches. A Joint Statement by Central Asian countries in support of the JSAP is expected, which will serve as a basis for mobilizing resources, including support from donors, international financial institutions and national funding.

24 April (09:00–10:45)

The session “Cooperation in Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia” will present practical results of the GLOFCA project, including the implementation of early warning systems, glacier lake monitoring and community-based risk reduction measures. The session will also include the handover of equipment to national authorities, ensuring the continued operation and sustainability of the systems. The event will facilitate the exchange of practical experience among countries of the region and support the scaling up of effective disaster risk reduction solutions.

24 April (14:00–17:00)

The workshop “Cryosphere and Economy: Water Resources, Agriculture, and Emergencies” will focus on analysing the interlinkages between cryosphere change, water availability, agricultural production and economic development. Participants will explore scenarios of likely and preferred future developments across key areas: cryosphere and water resources, cryosphere and ecosystems, and cryosphere and emergencies. Based on these discussions, recommendations for the next 10–20 years will be developed to support the integration of cryosphere considerations into national and regional development strategies.

If you plan to attend RES in person, we would be pleased to welcome you to UNESCO sessions. It will also be possible to join via live Zoom streaming:

23 April (09:00–10:45) — Session “The Cryosphere of Central Asia: From Scientific Assessment to Joint Climate Adaptation Action”

24 April (09:00–10:45) — Session “Cooperation on Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction in Central Asia”