On May 29, 2025, the Regional Forum on Glacier and Cryosphere Monitoring in Central Asia was held in Dushanbe. The event was organized by the Agency for Hydrometeorology under the Committee for Environmental Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan, with joint support from the GIZ “Green Central Asia, Phase II” program and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
The Forum brought together more than 150 participants representative of international organizations, regional hydrometeorological services, glaciological research institutes, academic institutions, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and other international agencies. The main objective was to strengthen the region’s response to glacier retreat and cryospheric changes caused by climate change, as well as to deepen technical dialogue, scientific exchange, and institutional collaboration.
A highlight of the Forum was the presentation and adoption of a joint draft Declaration, which reflects a shared understanding of regional challenges and a commitment to coordinated action. The Declaration outlined six priority areas for cooperation:
Strengthening the monitoring and modeling of cryospheric changes in Central Asia
- Advancing regional research and scientific collaboration
- Enhancing institutional frameworks and coordination
- Developing regional and international partnerships
- Attracting investment in infrastructure and technology
- Promoting education and awareness
During the Forum, the Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan proposed the establishment of a Regional Glaciology Center in Dushanbe.
Participants of the forum also identified a series of concrete follow-up actions aimed at enhancing the region’s collective response to the impacts of climate change on glaciers and the cryosphere.
