Glacier Preservation: Securing the Region’s Water Future
Glaciers are vital freshwater reserves, particularly in Central Asia and southern Russia. Up to 80% of the runoff in major rivers — such as the Amu Darya, Syr Darya, and Zeravshan — originates from snow and glacier melt. These rivers supply water for agriculture, households, industry, and ecosystems. However, due to rising global temperatures, glaciers are rapidly retreating.
Scientific studies estimate that glacier volume in Central Asia has declined by 25–30% over the last 50–70 years. If the current trend continues, up to half of the region’s glaciers could disappear by 2050, resulting in serious water shortages, intensified competition for resources, reduced food security, and increased climate vulnerability.
Consequences of glacier retreat include:
Seasonal water shortages;
Reduced irrigation and hydropower output;
Higher social tensions and transboundary conflicts;
Disrupted hydrological cycles and loss of biodiversity.
Tajikistan’s Initiative on Glacier Preservation
Tajikistan, one of the most mountainous countries in the world, has taken global leadership in advocating glacier protection. In December 2022, the United Nations General Assembly, at the initiative of Tajikistan, declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Preservation. A Global Glacier Preservation Fund has also been launched to support scientific and restoration efforts in high mountain regions.
From 29 May to 1 June 2025, Dushanbe hosted the First High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, co‑organized with WMO and UNESCO.It brought together over 2,500 delegates from 90 countries and international bodies. The event concluded with the Dushanbe Glaciers Declaration, featuring commitments and strategies for glacier protection, to be taken forward at COP30 in Brazil. Sessions focused on early warning, financing, adaptation, scientific collaboration, and engagement with mountain communities, producing a robust roadmap. Tajikistan also hosted national scientific-practical forums, enhanced glacier monitoring (including automated stations), and strengthened cooperation with ICIMOD, UNESCO, and FAO.
Recommended actions include:
Expanding glacier monitoring and runoff modeling;
Mainstreaming cryosphere risks into water and climate policy;
Preserving snow accumulation zones and natural water regulation systems;
Participating in global and regional initiatives for sustainable mountain water management.
