International Conference on Monitoring of Glaciers and Glacial Lakes – Hazard Management
- 26 – 27 August 2024 │ Dushanbe, Tajikistan
- 28 – 31 August 2024 │ GBAO,Tajikistan
About the
Conference
The first International Conference on Monitoring of glaciers (ICMG) “Monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes – hazard management” is organised by Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan jointly with the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), funded by the Government of Switzerland and implemented through the project “Adaptive and Resilient Communities in their Habitat (ARCH)”. ARCH is a joint initiative of the AKAH and a prolonged partnership with the Government of Tajikistan and the Government of Switzerland. ARCH is a joint project of the AKAH and the Governments of Switzerland and Tajikistan. ARCH has been designed for a rural setting, and thus the emphasis is on settlement planning, village planning, and district-level planning. The project has been designed as a 10-year program to build with the Government and International Experts the systems and tools to showcase resilience building in GBAO as a demonstration for engagement in rural communities across the country. It aims to support the resilience of habitats and the improvement of livelihoods through the reduced vulnerability of rural communities to the impacts of climate change-triggered natural disasters and by strengthened disaster risk governance.
The conference will be held on 26-31 August 2024 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.
About Organizing Agencies
Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat’s (AKAH) works to ensure that people live in safe, sustainable, and resilient habitats with the opportunity to thrive, whether in a remote mountain village, a town, or a densely populated urban centre. AKAH works with communities to help them prepare for and respond to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. AKAH also works to expand access to services and opportunities for people to improve their life. AKAH helps communities prepare for the worst; provides immediate relief after disaster strikes; and helps build back better – and greener – while planning for a better future. AKAH currently operates in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Pakistan, and India, and works with over 2,500 communities empowering them with data, world-class planning and best practices in disaster risk reduction and safe, sustainable housing and critical infrastructure to build a better future.
Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan
The Agency for Hydrometeorology of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, also known as Tajik hydromet, serves as the national hydrometeorological service. The agency’s roots trace back to the establishment of the first meteorological station in Khojent in 1866. By the early 20th century, six meteorological and two water measuring stations were established. The Hydrometeorological Committee of Tajikistan was formed in 1926, enhancing systematic observations. In 1934, natural environment monitoring started, focusing on river water chemistry. By 1963, the service was responsible for environmental quality control, leading to systematic studies of air, water, and soil. The 1960s saw the start of specialized mudflow and snow avalanche observations and radio sounding at key stations like Dushanbe, Khorog, and Takhtamyshbek. Tajik hydromet provides timely weather forecasts, warnings of natural hydrometeorological phenomena, and data on the environment to mitigate natural disaster impacts, ensure public safety, and assess climate change. The agency uses a unified state observation system with automated tools, fast communication, and modern data processing. The Agency for Hydrometeorology represents Tajikistan in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), one of the specialized UN agencies. The Director of the Agency serves as the permanent representative of Tajikistan in the WMO and acts as the National Coordinator for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Tajikistan. This role ensures that Tajikistan’s interests and contributions are recognized in the global hydrometeorological community.
About Funding Agency
The Government of Switzerland
The Swiss Cooperation Office in Tajikistan represents the Government of Switzerland in Tajikistan. Within its Cooperation program for Central Asia (2022-2025), the Government of Switzerland focuses on supporting economic, social and democratic development, promoting an integrated and regional approach in the complex field of transboundary water management, strengthening economic ties and promoting good governance.
Conference Program
Opening ceremony
Plenary session
Understanding the Process – Trigger, Mechanics of Debris-Flow Growth, Entrainment, Dynamics, and Impacts
Study of Glaciers and Glacial Lake Dynamics. Current State of the Cryosphere, Glaciers, Snow Cover, and Water Resources
Advanced Methods and Tools for Debris Flow Prediction and Analysis: GIS and Remote Sensing
Complex Influences on Glacial and Snow Systems: Assessing the Effects of Environmental and Climatic Factors
Debris Flow Prediction: Advanced Methods for Natural Hazard Management
Innovative Techniques and Modelling for Glacier Dynamics and Forecasting
Understanding Debris Flow Dynamics in a Changing Climate
Best Practices on Mitigation Measures, Early Warning Systems, Early Prevention, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction
Glacier Dynamics and Glacier-Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) Management
Panel Discussion: “Enhancing Early Warning Systems and Mitigation Strategies. Data Integration for Disaster Management”.
Conference Closing Ceremony:
Departure from Dushanbe to Khorog
Lunch in Qalai Khum of Darvoz District
Dinner in Khorog
Drop off at Hotel in Khorog
Topic: Bathymetric Research and Modelling of Hazardous Glacial Lakes in Tajikistan Lecturer: Yusuf Rahimbekov
Break
Topic: Permafrost. Monitoring of Permafrost Melt Using Geophysical Methods. Lecturer: Muslim Azimshoev
Lunch
Trip to Barsem
Visit to the village of Barsem - Report on ``Disastrous Flood in the Village of Barsem. Lecture: Ubaid Pirmamamdov
Integrated Assessment Methodology in watersheds. Lecture: Muslim Azimshoev
Return to Khorog.
Dinner in Pamir Palace
Breakfast
Departure from Khorog to Dushanbe
Lunch in Qalai Khum of Darvoz District
Trip to Dushanbe
Contact us
For logistic:
- Fayzmamad Davlatbekov: + 992 93 565 3680
- Muslim Azimshoev: +99293462606
- Sanam Qarachabekova. +992 933144436
E-mail: debrisflow@akdn.org
