From 6 to 12 July 2026, a Regional Scientific and Practical Expedition to the Kara-Batkak Glacier was held in the Issyk-Kul Region of the Kyrgyz Republic. The expedition was organized by the D. Mamatkanov Institute of Water Problems and Hydropower of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic within the framework of the regional programme ‘Green Central Asia, Phase II’, implemented by GIZ.
The expedition served as an important platform for scientific knowledge exchange, strengthening regional cooperation among Central Asian countries, and promoting modern approaches to glacier research in the context of climate change. Its primary objective was to demonstrate advanced methods for studying glaciers and moraine-glacier complexes, improve glacier monitoring approaches, and enhance the capacities of specialists from across the region.
During the expedition, participants were introduced to modern glacier research technologies, including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), remote sensing using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), RTK-GNSS surveying, the development of digital elevation models, hydrometeorological observations, and data processing techniques. Particular attention was given to the study of debris-covered glaciers and the assessment of ice reserves concealed beneath moraine deposits.
The expedition brought together representatives of scientific and specialized institutions from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, including national academies of sciences, hydrometeorological services, universities, research centres, and organizations engaged in glacier and water resources research.
The practical field sessions and expert lectures were led by leading specialists in glaciology and glacier geophysics. Under their guidance, participants had the opportunity not only to learn about state-of-the-art scientific approaches but also to apply advanced research methods directly in high-mountain conditions.
At the conclusion of the expedition, experts developed recommendations on the selection of appropriate research equipment and identified key priorities for the further development of geophysical glacier studies across the region. The knowledge and practical experience gained will contribute to improving glacier monitoring systems and strengthening scientific cooperation among the countries of Central Asia.
The Kara-Batkak Glacier Expedition marked another important step towards enhancing regional cooperation on climate change adaptation, preserving glacier ecosystems, and promoting sustainable water resources management across Central Asia.
