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Mountain Societies Research Institute

The Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI) applies sound scientific expertise to study complex earth surface and environmental processes and interactions that affect mountain societies. Its interdisciplinary research focuses on improving mountain livelihoods, sustainably managing natural resources, mitigating the effects of natural hazards and climate change, and building community resilience in these challenging environments. Headquartered at UCA’s Khorog campus, Tajikistan UCA campus, MSRI staff also supports the undergraduate Earth and Environmental Sciences Department. A large contingent of MSRI is also located at the UCA central office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Natural Hazard Students On A Field Trip

Prof Roy Sidle and Khorog Campus Students during Natural Hazards field trips in the Shordara valley near Khorog

Projects

MSRI's objectives include generating knowledge that supports mountain societies through original scientific research, serving as a knowledge hub for the earth and environmental sciences, enhancing the regional capacity to conduct sound research, informing policy and practice through engagement with key development partners, and disseminating knowledge among mountain stakeholders. Some of MSRI's recent and ongoing projects include: 

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Demonstration of indigenous aromatic plants as natural control mechanisms
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Conservation and sustainable management of critically endangered plant biodiversity
WFP

Climate Hazard Impact Monitoring and Research Activities
WB

Assessment of Avalanche Risk to Roads in the Rasht Valley, Tajikistan
SWE

Snow water equivalent variability in Pamir (Tajikistan)
We See Law Mechanization Of The Agricuture, And For Migrant Family Labour Shortage Is Actual Problem

Migration Governance and Agricultural & Rural Change
IMG 9975

Conservation and Research of Wild Fruit Species in Western Tian Shan
Bishkek Under Smog Photo Credit Mikail Dudin, Kloop Website

Recent Air Pollution Problems in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Bean Research Plots Being Established In Yakowlang District Bamyan Aziz Ali Khan

Addressing Climate Change in Afghanistan through Sustainable Energy and Ecosystem Management
Cryosphere Paper

Climate Impacts on the Water-Food-Energy Nexus due to Changing High Mountain Hydrology in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan
Mapping In Groups

Developing Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme
THRIVE New

Balancing and Optimization of Multifunctional Use of Juniper Forests in Central Asia
CCA2

Thrive Tajikistan: Enhancing Social Services, Governance, and Economic Inclusion in Border Regions
CSSF

Land Degradation and Water Resources Management

MSRI Hosts Round Table on Glacier Dynamics, Water Resources, and Climate Change in Central Asia
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UCA Researchers and Students Contribute to Global Dialogue on Mountain Sustainability
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UCA at COP29: Advancing Climate Resilience and Decarbonisation in Central Asia
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Groundbreaking Research at UCA Addresses Food Security in Central Asia
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UCA Contributes to UN 2023 Water Conference in New York
Asel Action (1)

Asel Murzakulova: UCA Researcher Setting Benchmarks for Young Female Scientists
1

UCA Researchers Identify Drought Surviving Beans
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Motor Vehicles Significantly Contribute to Air Pollution in Bishkek
Roy

MSRI Participates at Dubai Expo on Climate Resilient Mountain Development
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UCA and Kyrgyz Government to Conduct Research on Climate Change

Latest Publications

The Impact Of Climate Change1

The Impact of Climate Change on Central Asian Hydro-Politics
Climate Change Concerns In Central Asia Public Discourse Page 01

Climate Change Concerns in Central Asia Public Discourse
PARC Report Draft (1)

Improvement of Yak Traits by Natural Insemination for Sustainable Yak Production to Support Rural Livelihoods and Food security in Murgab, Tajikistan
UCA Report Walnut Fruit Forests Page 01

Walnut-Fruit Forests. Environmental and Socio-Economic Research Report

MSRI Annual Reports

UCA MSRI Annualreport 2021 Eng

MSRI Annual Report 2021
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MSRI Annual Report 2020
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MSRI Annual Report 2019
MSRI Annual Report 2018

MSRI Annual Report 2018

MSRI’s Faculty Publications

Geomorphic Thresholds For Cascading Hazards Of Debris Flows

Geomorphic thresholds for cascading hazards of debris flows and natural dam formation caused by large landslides
Pages From 022204 1

Bias Correction of Sentinel-2 with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Multispectral Data for Use in Monitoring Walnut Fruit Forest in Western Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan
Pages From Agriculture 12 02004 With Cover

Classification of Mountain Silvopastoral Farming Systems in Walnut Forests of Kyrgyzstan: Determining Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods
Pages From Tc 16 3295 2022

Snow Avalanche Frequency Estimation (SAFE): 32 Years of Monitoring Remote Avalanche Depositional Zones in High Mountains of Afghanistan

All UCA Publications

UCA RESEARCHER HIGHLIGHTS CLIMATE RISKS ON KYRGYZ NATIONAL TV
Dr Vitalii Zaginaev, Research Fellow at UCA GSD’s Mountain Societies Research Institute, appears live on Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (KTRK), on the primetime programme From Words to Action (От слов к делу). The interview features Dr Zaginaev discussing natural hazards in mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan, including mudflows, glacial lake outburst floods, and related risks linked to climate change and glacial degradation. He shares research conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (MoES), including contributions to the recently published Atlas of Mudflows of the Kyrgyz Republic, and ongoing work on early warning and mitigation systems.
Dr Maksim Kulikov, Research Fellow at UCA’s Mountain Societies Research Institute, appears live on Kyrgyz National Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (KTRK), on the primetime programme From Words to Action (От слов к делу). The interview focused on the state of forest ecosystems in Kyrgyzstan, including walnut-fruit, coniferous, and riparian forests. Dr Kulikov discussed the ecology and biodiversity of these forests, the impact of human activity and climate change, and the use of modern technologies such as multispectral drones for forest mapping and health assessment. He also highlighted UCA’s collaborative research with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as protected areas and forestry enterprises under the Ministry of Emergency Situations.