GEF–UNDP–UNESCO Cryosphere Project Publishes Diagnostic Analysis on Key Cryosphere Issues in Central Asia

The GEF–UNDP–UNESCO Cryosphere Project “Strengthening the Resilience of Central Asian Countries by Enabling Regional Cooperation to Assess Glacio-nival Systems to Develop Integrated Methods for Sustainable Development and Adaptation to Climate Change” has published the Diagnostic Analysis on the main cryosphere issues in Central Asia. The document marks a key analytical milestone of the project.

The Diagnostic Analysis (DA) was developed through a participatory and region-wide process, combining the results of two subregional workshops held in April and November 2024, as well as a series of national workshops conducted across all five project countries between May and October 2024. National experts and institutions jointly identified priority cryosphere challenges, assessed their impacts, and analysed country-specific contexts, causes, and response pathways related to climate change and water resources.

The DA is grounded in four thematic reports addressing the current state of the cryosphere and water availability, glacier and meltwater projections under climate change scenarios, high-resolution snow cover modelling, and gaps in higher education programmes related to cryosphere studies. These reports were developed in close collaboration with national research institutions and international partners, led by experts from the University of Fribourg. The DA also benefited from methodological guidance on the GEF IW LEARN TDA/SAP approach provided by Zoï Environment Network.

This document will serve as a shared evidence base for regional cooperation, policy dialogue, and future actions aimed at strengthening climate resilience and sustainable water management in Central Asia.

The full Diagnostic Analysis is available below.