Upcoming Workshop: Enhancing Early Warning Systems for Glacier Lake Outburst Floods

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, and Communication” will be held on October 23-24, 2024, in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Objectives of the Workshop

The primary goals of the workshop are to:

  1. Facilitate knowledge transfer and exchange from Sensalpin experts to national technical experts in the four Central Asian countries involved in the GLOFCA project.
  2. Introduce new expertise and know-how on the complete technical EWS chain to national responsible institutions.
  3. Review progress on EWS design and implementation in each country.
  4. Pave the way for successful EWS deployment, maintenance, and operation.

Key Discussions and Expected Outcomes

The workshop will bring together experts to address the technical aspects of designing and implementing effective Early Warning Systems (EWS) for GLOFs. Key discussions will focus on:

  • Technical Design: Understanding sensor specifications, measuring techniques, data logging, and alert systems.
  • Case Studies: Learning from successful examples of mass flow EWS implemented by Sensalpin.
  • National Progress: Reviewing and discussing the current state and progress of EWS design and implementation in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan.
  • Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating individual national-level exchanges to tailor EWS solutions to specific country needs.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained new technical insights and practical knowledge to enhance the implementation and maintenance of EWS in their respective countries. This will significantly contribute to reducing the risks posed by GLOFs and improving the resilience of mountain communities in Central Asia.

Next Steps

Following the workshop, detailed reports and recommendations will be compiled and shared with all stakeholders. This will support the continuous improvement and deployment of EWS, ensuring that local and national institutions are better equipped to manage and mitigate the impacts of GLOFs.

For more information and updates on the workshop, please contact us though the Contacts.

en_GB