MSRI Hosts Round Table on Glacier Dynamics, Water Resources, and Climate Change in Central Asia

UCA's Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) held a round table across UCA locations and in person in Bishkek, with participation from external guests. Researchers presented their work on four themes—glaciers and water resources, hazards and risk prevention, biodiversity, and ecosystems and engaged with the audience in an interactive panel. Participants asked pressing questions such as when Central Asia might lose its glaciers and how climate change is reshaping ecosystems, while also having the opportunity to directly engage with MSRI colleagues.

The discussion focused strongly on glacier dynamics and water resources in Central Asia, particularly the implications of glacier retreat for local communities. Denis Samyn highlighted the dual nature of glacier loss, noting both opportunities for increased water availability and heightened risks of natural disasters. Aslam Qadamov presented methodologies for studying glacier dynamics—combining fieldwork and remote sensing—and shared findings from the Guntiver Basin that reveal concerning trends in glacier retreat.

Sanjar Sadyrov emphasised the importance of understanding the water cycle to assess the impacts of glacier degradation on irrigation and hydropower. The group also discussed glacier modeling approaches, comparing the sophisticated energy balance model with the simpler temperature index model, while reflecting on the challenges of maintaining meteorological stations in the Tian Shan region.

The conversation then shifted to natural hazards. Vitalii Zaginaev spoke about the identification of hazardous lakes in Kyrgyzstan and the successful evacuation of communities during risk events. Hofiz Navruzshoev shared insights on monitoring Glacier 457 in Tajikistan, underlining the urgent need for continued research and adaptation to mitigate glacier lake outburst floods.

Turning to biodiversity, Aziz Ali Khan presented a conservation project focused on protecting endangered fruit tree species across 18 villages, while addressing the challenges of working in remote areas. He also highlighted the introduction of Paulownia trees as an alternative resource for local communities, with potential to generate income. Maksim Kulikov contributed with a short video showcasing biodiversity research, featuring a case study on walnut forests in southern Kyrgyzstan.

The round table concluded with a lively discussion on technical challenges and the adaptability of introduced species in the context of climate change.