Central Asian countries strengthen cooperation in protecting the cryosphere

As part of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty organized a session titled “Cryosphere of Central Asia: from scientific assessment to joint climate adaptation action”, in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The session was held within the framework of the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO Cryosphere Project and in collaboration with Central Asian countries.

A key outcome of the session was the discussion of the Joint Subregional Action Programme (JSAP) on the cryosphere – a framework document developed by Central Asian countries with the support of UNESCO, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in monitoring and research of glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost, as well as aligning approaches to climate change adaptation.

At the conclusion of the session, heads of relevant government authorities from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan responsible for environmental protection issued a Joint Statement in support of implementing the JSAP, reaffirming their commitment to strengthened regional cooperation.

The JSAP provides a foundation for coordinated action among countries and partners, defines cooperation priorities, and supports the advancement of climate adaptation measures in the region. The Joint Statement also opens opportunities to mobilize funding from various sources, including donors, international financial institutions, and the private sector.

Roman Bondarchuk, UzA

Astana, Kazakhstan