LocationsUNDP, the Government of Japan, and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kyrgyzstan present the results of a key project aimed at reducing risks from glacial lake outbursts
Enhancing Kyrgyzstan's Resilience to Natural Disasters
March 27, 2024
Bishkek, March 27, 2024 – Today, the results of a joint project by UNDP and the Ministry of Emergency Situations, financially supported by the Government of Japan, were presented. The project focuses on reducing risks and vulnerabilities associated with glacial lake outbursts and mudflows in Kyrgyzstan. The event brought together representatives from ministries and agencies, scientific institutions dealing with high-mountain lakes, and other stakeholders, to summarize the project's achievements.
As part of the project, a unique information system was developed for monitoring outburst-hazardous lakes, equipped with its proprietary algorithms based on machine learning. This will effectively prevent or minimize damage from natural disasters, particularly from glacial lake outbursts and mudflows, and will also improve the accuracy and efficiency of forecasting floods and mudflows.
Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Akylbek Mazaripov said: “Strengthening the national disaster monitoring system is a key factor in improving our emergency preparedness. Thanks to the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan, we have made significant progress in this area.”
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Hideki Goda emphasized: “Kyrgyzstan is one of the most vulnerable countries exposed to the effects of climate change. Glacial lake outbursts can cause humanitarian, social, economic, environmental, and political risks. The Government of Japan recognizes the importance of developing a resilient society in good cooperation.”
UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic Ms. Alexandra Solovieva noted: “This project is an important step in ensuring sustainable development and human security in Kyrgyzstan. Through our collaboration, we have been able to significantly improve the country's ability to prevent and respond to natural disasters.”
Expert of the Situation Center of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic Mr. Kanatbek Chynybaev noted: “It is encouraging to see that the results of this project directly meet the requirements of the National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026, which reflects that addressing disaster risk reduction in the context of changing climate should be comprehensive, taking into account future threats and hazards, the development of new methods of forecasting and response.”
The project achieved significant results in three key areas:
1. Development and Approval of the National Action Plan:
As part of the project, a national action plan until 2030 was developed, which is aimed at improving the national capacity for monitoring and forecasting natural disasters and mudflow processes. The plan includes a comprehensive analysis of the current monitoring and forecasting systems in Kyrgyzstan. It also provides for the creation of an automated system for monitoring high-mountain lakes and the development of the concept of a Unified Integrated Monitoring and Forecasting System, which will operate until 2030.
2. Strengthening National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Capacity:
The second key result is the strengthening of national capacity to manage risks associated with glacial lake outbursts. This is achieved by updating and integrating software and hardware with access to satellite data into the national disaster monitoring system. Work has been carried out to improve the unified information system for monitoring outburst-hazardous lakes, including the introduction of innovative approaches such as machine learning algorithms, multi-parameter analysis, and forecasting systems for risk assessment.
3. Enhancing the Adaptive Potential of Local Communities:
The third important result of the project is strengthening the ability of local communities to adapt to the risks of glacial lake outbursts and mudflows. This was achieved through a collaborative approach, including training residents in pilot communities (Cholpon-Ata city, Chon-Sary-Oy, and Bosteri rural districts) in preventive actions, developing and improving local disaster risk reduction plans, as well as conducting practical activities, such as the construction of protective structures. An information campaign was also conducted to raise public awareness of natural hazards.
Summing up the results of the project, implemented with financial support from the Government of Japan and the efforts of UNDP, represents a significant step in strengthening Kyrgyzstan’s resilience to natural disasters. Based on the successful implementation of advanced technologies and improved emergency response systems, the project has significantly strengthened national capabilities to monitor and forecast potential threats. This achievement not only increased the safety of the population of Kyrgyzstan, but also provided an important contribution to regional and global efforts in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
***
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” aims to minimize the risks and vulnerabilities associated with potential disasters caused by glacial lake outbursts and subsequent floods, ensuring the protection of local communities. The implementation of the project was made possible within the framework of the Climate Promise initiative thanks to financial support from the Government of Japan through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Related
content
content
