UNESCO Cryosphere Central Asia

The Cryosphere Knowledge Management Platform

A unified hub for data, lessons, and country profiles on cryosphere change in Central Asia, connecting experts and institutions to turn science into action through training, news, and practical tools

Cryosphere and Climate

The cryosphere serves as both a sensitive indicator and a powerful amplifier of climate change, with its components responding on different timescales, creating complex feedback loops that accelerate warming and fundamentally alter natural systems

Cryosphere and Society

Cryosphere changes in Central Asia drive profound social and cultural transformations, increasing the vulnerability of local communities and especially women, who bear the greatest burden as access to water and livelihoods deteriorates

Cryosphere and Water

The state of the cryosphere directly shapes water regimes; as it changes under climate pressure, the water balance transforms, making a deep understanding of cryospheric processes essential for society’s effective adaptation

Central Asia's cryosphere

Serves as a unique natural laboratory for climate change research, requiring collaborative scientific efforts and integration of traditional knowledge to understand global processes and develop effective adaptation strategies

GEF–UNDP–UNESCO Cryosphere Project

The project brings together Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to jointly develop approaches for monitoring and managing the cryosphere, including glaciers, snow cover, and permafrost

Welcome to the Central Asia Cryosphere Knowledge Platform

Central Asia faces significant gaps in cryosphere monitoring and knowledge, from limited data quality and accessibility to a shortage of specialists and information on climate impacts. This platform was created to help bridge these gaps by providing a shared space for reliable, up-to-date information and resources. It was developed within the framework of the GEF–UNDP–UNESCO Cryosphere Project.

Explore our resource database with vetted UNESCO materials, publications, and documents—easily filtered by country, topic, and file type through our advanced search system Access interactive tools and monitoring methods designed to support cryosphere research and climate adaptation Learn through online courses and webinars tailored for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working on water and climate resilience

Engage with multimedia content including educational videos and photo galleries that visualize cryospheric changes and their impacts Connect with our regional team and learn about the project's mission, objectives, and collaborative approach to sustainable development