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GEF-UNDP-UNESCO new knowledge products
This regional project, implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and executed by UNDP, brings together five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - to develop joint approaches for monitoring and managing the cryosphere - glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost.
Project Objectives
The project aims to strengthen countries’ resilience to climate change impacts on the cryosphere through scientific research, regional cooperation, and stakeholder engagement. Key areas of focus include:
- Developing a shared cryosphere data platform on glaciers, snow, and permafrost
- Preparing national and regional action plans for cryosphere management
- Enhancing cryosphere monitoring using modern tools and technologies
- Piloting climate adaptation practices in glacier-fed river basins
- Raising awareness and building capacity through outreach and training
Knowledge Products
In collaboration with the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) and national partners, the project has produced several thematic reports and a Diagnostic Analysis that assess the current state of the cryosphere and its implications for regional water security. These documents were developed through multi-stakeholder consultations and will inform future national and regional planning. Below are condensed summaries of the main documents, presented in brochure format for easier access and use.