THE CONCEPT
The first International Conference on Debris Flow (ICDF) on “Improving Management through Science and Technology” is organised by the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented through the project “Adaptive and Resilient Communities in their Habitat (ARCH)” – a joint initiative of the Government of Switzerland and AKAH and prolonged partnership with the Government of Tajikistan. The conference will be held on 21-27 September 2023 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan including a field visit to Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) region. The conference will provide an opportunity for international partners to present their works, studies and lessons on debris flow along with serving as a platform to advocate for drawing attention to the risk emanation and mitigation of the risks associated with debris flow. The Participants will be informed about the critical cases of debris flow and the preventative mitigation measures taken, the risk awareness policies applied for communities and the risk-informed planning in accordance with the cross-sectorial climate resilience framework applied by the government and relevant partners. Additionally, the conference will create an enabling environment for the exchange of ideas and knowledge transfer among scientists, practitioners and policymakers; and will promote scientific advancement of Debris-Flow hazards, mitigation measures and response. Along with building awareness about the hazards and their scientific and technological management, ICDF will contribute to forming and promoting partnerships and networking within the pool of experts – participants.
Background note
Debris flows are among the most common and catastrophic natural hazards across mountain geographies. As climate change augments hydroclimatic extremes, debris flows are likely to increase in frequency and magnitude in the future. In addition, prolonged snow-free seasons, thawing of permafrost, degrading vegetation canopy, and frequent seismic events, aggravate the situation as soil and rock are destabilized. Anthropogenic alteration of landcover and topography also contribute to the initiation of debris flows. Global historical disaster data attribute significant asset damage and loss of life to debris flow hazards. While once-in-decade events constitute a large share of the loss and damage, cumulative statistics from smaller but regular events add up significantly. In view of the growing threat to livelihoods and infrastructure, substantial advances have been achieved in various aspects of debris flow hazard management. On the implementation front, differences in debris flow hazard management persist between nations. An opportunity to exchange and learn amongst and between the teams of researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, on relevant science, technological advancement, innovative management practices, and policy support, will help improve debris flow management in the region.
The two days conference intends to bring together researchers, practitioners and policymakers associated with debris flow research and mitigation from different countries to one platform to foster networking, nurture partnerships, and promote an exchange of ideas. The two days will see technical interactions through oral and poster presentations and panel discussions, followed by a post-conference field visit to the Pamir Mountains. The conference will contribute towards global frameworks, having direct relevance to the Sendai Framework (all 7 targets) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 – Safe and sustainable communities, SDG 13 – Combat impact of climate change). The conference is supported and funded by the Government of Switzerland through Adaptive and Resilient Communities in their Habitats ARCH project.
Expected results:
- The ICDF aims to set a platform for the exchange of ideas, professional experience and transfer of knowledge between scientists, practitioners and policymakers on debris flow, its mitigation and awareness of the hazard and serve as an opportunity to build and expand professional networks of DRR scientists and practitioners that will lead to national, regional and international collaboration.
- The ICDF will promote scientific innovation related to debris flow hazards, response, and mitigation by bringing together scientists and practitioners of the field and will highlight the need for decreasing risk from debris flow.
- The conference will enable the in-country stakeholders from the government and academic institutions on conducting research and develop research papers, policy briefs and other related outputs to improve the debris flow management practice further.
Target audience:
Representatives of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan, national and regional ministries of environmental protection and ecology, water, hydrometeorological services; scientists and environmental protection practitioners will attend the ICDF conference. International organizations, the expert community, scientific institutions, civil society organizations, PhD candidates, relevant local authorities, students and professors at universities from geological and environmental departments are also targeted to be involved in the conference.
Participation format: In person
Registration Fee: Free of charge
Working language: Russian, English. Simultaneous translation will be provided.
A two-day conference in Dushanbe will be followed by a field trip along the Pamir highway including visits to:
- Darvaz transboundary debris flow sites.
- Barsem debris flow area in Shugnan district of GBAO.
- Dasht debris flow area in Roshtqala district of GBAO.
- Visits along the main touristic destinations along the Silk Road.
The field visit will be followed by half a day conference in Khorog City.
Special note:
- Registration and participation in the conference are free of charge.
- In-country transportation (including airport pick-up and drop-off), food for the duration of the conference and conference material is covered.
- Flights, accommodation, and visa fees are covered by participants.
Topics of the conference:
- Understanding the process – trigger, mechanics of Debris-flow growth, entrainment, dynamics, and impacts.
- Study of Debris-flow deposits and morphology of fan and other deposits.
- Assessments – application of innovative methods, modelling approaches, and tools for forecasting and modelling of debris flow, including Glacial Lakes Outburst Flood (GLOF).
- Debris-flow data integration and sharing.
- Needs of local governments and end users.
- Management – best practices on risk management by local government and legislation.
- Debris flow case studies – from preparedness to disaster management to event documentation.
- Best practices on mitigation measures, early warning systems, early prevention, and interdisciplinary approaches to risk reduction.
- Emergency planning and response.
- Field and laboratory investigation – remote sensing, and monitoring techniques.
- Long terms impact of climate change on Glacial lakes.
- Impact of glacial melting on glacial lakes.
Key dates:
- June 7, 2023 – Registration and call for abstract submission open.
- July 31, 2023 – Deadline for registration and abstract submission.
- August 10, 2023 – Intimation of acceptance.
- September 21 and 22 – Conference event in Dushanbe.
- September 23 and 27 – Post-Conference field trips.
- October 2023 – Elaboration of Proceedings.
Abstract guideline:
The abstract should not exceed 500 words and can be submitted either in English or Russian language. It should fit under one of the abovementioned topics and be submitted through the online registration portal.
If you would like to participate in the Conference, please fill in the application form on the Conference registration link: https://t.ly/hNMc
The link and other conference information can be also found at debrisflow.tj
Chairs:
- Farhod Rahimi – President of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Salome Steib – Director, Counsellor and Consul, Swiss Cooperation Office Tajikistan
- Onno Rulh, General Manager, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Switzerland
- Nawab Ali Khan – CEO, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, Tajikistan
Scientific committee:
The scientific committee will oversee technical matters related to the conference and will mainly provide guidance on designing the programme, also review and screen abstracts, recommend speakers, and help increase the visibility of the event.
- Dr Jakob Steiner, University of Graz/Himalayan University Consortium
- Dr Roland Kaitna, Associate Professor, Boku University
- Dr Jeremy Phillips, Professor, University of Bristol
- Dr Simon Allen, Academic Associate, University of Zurich
- Mr Deo Raj Gurung, Chief Scientist, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
- Dr Abdulhamid Kayumov, Director of the State Scientific Institute, Center of Research of Glaciers, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Mr Thomas A. Stanley, Research Associate, University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Mr Rakhmonbek Bakhdavlatov, Head Department for Geology, Government of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Mr Navruzsho Avzalshoev, DRR Sr. Analyst, Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
- Mr Pulod Aminzoda, Director of the Institute of Geology and Earthquake-Resistant Construction and Seismology, Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower Engineering and Ecology, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan
Organizing committee:
- Fayzmamad Davlatbekov – Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
- Muslim Azimshoev – Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
- Mamurjon Mirvaisov – National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan
- Sattor Dustmadov – Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
Contact details:
For logistic: Navruzsho Avzalshoev: + 992 93 506 0800 | Fayzmamad Davlatbekov:+ 992 93 565 3680
For scientific program: Deo Raj Gurung: + 992 93 933 0622
E-mail: debrisflow@akdn.org:
