Issues related to glacier melt in Central Asia to be discussed at RES 2026
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter – UNESCO), the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan will hold a session within the framework of the Regional Ecological Summit 2026 (hereinafter – RES), which will take place in Astana on 22–24 April, to develop joint actions by the countries of Central Asia in response to the challenges caused by accelerated glacier melt.
The regional session entitled “The Cryosphere of Central Asia: From Scientific Assessment to Joint Climate Adaptation Action” will be held on 23 April. The event, organized within the framework of the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO cryosphere project in cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, will bring together representatives of government bodies of the countries of the region, international organizations, and experts.
Accelerated glacier melt is being observed in Central Asia. Under the high-emissions scenario (SSP5-8.5), the region may lose up to 85% of its glacier volume by 2100. This increases pressure on water resources, infrastructure, and populations, while also heightening the risk of natural hazards, including glacial lake outburst floods. Since these processes are regional in nature, coordinated solutions among countries are required.
The session is devoted to the link between changes in high-mountain ecosystems and the region’s water security. In this context, representatives of the Central Asian countries will discuss the Joint Subregional Programme of Action (hereinafter – JSPA), aimed at strengthening cooperation among stakeholders in monitoring and research on cryosphere components, including glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost.
The purpose of the event is to contribute to the objectives of the RES, initiated by Kazakhstan, and to present the JSPA on the cryosphere as one of the concrete initiatives and mechanisms for joint action to launch environmental research aimed at strengthening interstate cooperation, aligning a common regional approach to the implementation of environmental solutions, and proposing practical tools for assessing the impact of climate change on the cryosphere and water resources in Central Asia.
A Joint Statement of the Central Asian countries in support of the JSPA is expected to be presented, after which the designated country representatives will voice their official positions on the JSPA. The Joint Statement will serve as a starting point for mobilizing support from donors, international financial institutions, national budget financing, and the private sector for the implementation of the JSPA.