In the context of climate change and rising Earth temperatures, Kyrgyzstan faces the threat of the outburst of more than two thousand glacial lakes, with nearly 20% posing a high risk of outburst due to the instability of natural dams and melting ice within them. Directly related to permafrost degradation, this threat poses a high risk to the population, infrastructure, and the environment. The most recent significant flood caused by the outburst of a high-mountain glacial lake occurred on July 8, 2022, in the Jeti-Oguz district of the Issyk-Kul region.

In response to these global challenges, the project “Reducing Risks and Vulnerabilities from Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) and Mudslide in Kyrgyzstan through Strengthening the National Disaster Monitoring System and Communities’ adaptative capacity” was initiated. It aims to minimize the risks and vulnerabilities to potential disasters related to glacial lake outbursts and subsequent floods, and to ensure the protection of local communities. The implementation of the project is possible through financial support from the government of Japan via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The safety of the population and infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan is a priority for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, especially in the context of the increasing risk of glacial lake outbursts due to climate change. Our cooperation with the project is aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and protecting the population from potential threats. This project, the first to be implemented using artificial intelligence in our country, will not only provide innovative methods to reduce the risk of outbursts of high-mountain lakes, but will also enhance our department’s capacity to provide timely and important forecasts of possible risks to ensure the security of our high- altitude regions.” said the Major Rustam Zhylkybaev, Acting Chief of the Emergency Department of the Issyk-Kul region. 

“This project, funded with the support of the government of Japan, is an important step towards sustainable development and protecting local communities from the impacts of climate change. We are confident that these efforts will help reduce vulnerability and ensure a safe future for all citizens of Kyrgyzstan,” remarked Lira Zholdubaeva, Head of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy cluster at UNDP Kyrgyzstan.

Within this project, steps are being taken to improve the national system for monitoring and forecasting natural disasters, as well as to strengthen the capacity of local communities to adapt to the risks of glacial lake outbursts and mudflows to ensure human safety. 

To draw attention to the urgent issue and present broad perspectives on its solution, a seminar was organized in the city of Cholpon-Ata, gathering representatives from the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, the state administration of the Issyk-Kul region, as well as responsible specialists, the leadership and deputies of the village councils of the Issyk-Kul region, youth organizations, women's councils, and environmental activists.

Additionally, the project includes the establishment of environmental monitoring groups, training on climate change impacts, and safe behavior in case of emergency situations. Awareness-raising activities on gender issues and educating the public about the danger of glacial lake outbursts are also planned for pilot communities: Cholpon-Ata city and the aiyl aimaks of Chong-Sary-Oy and Bosteri.

The project will continue active efforts to ensure a safe future for all.