Lender to carry out risk assessments of glacial melt under \u201cGlaciers to Farms\u201d initiative
\n ISLAMABAD
\nAs countries around the world continue to face worsening effects of climate change, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Sunday launched a new regional programme \u201cGlaciers to Farms\u201d to promote sustainable water use and food security in Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Pakistan.
\nThe initiative will see the ADB, supported by the Green Climate Fund\u2019s (GCF) Project Preparation Facility, carry out risk assessments of glacial melt in Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan \u2014 forming the scientific and technical basis for the programme, read the press release issued by the lender.
\nWith temperatures in the region projected to rise by up to 6\u00b0C by the next century, the loss of glacial mass threatens the fragile balance of ecosystems, jeopardising water supply for agriculture and hydro-power and risking the livelihoods of more than 380 million people.
\nA declaration of support for preserving glaciers has been signed with ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa and GCF Chief Investment Officer Henry Gonzalez.
\nThe signatories include COP29 President and Azerbaijan Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev; Kazakhstan Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Yerlan Nyssanbayev; Kyrgyz Republic Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Meder Mashiev; Tajikistan Committee on Environmental Protection Chairman Bahodur Sheralizoda; and Uzbekistan Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Aziz Abdukhakimov.
\n\u201cAs melting glaciers change waterflows, disrupt lives, and destroy ecosystems, we must act now,\u201d said Asakawa.
\n\u201cAs Asia and the Pacific\u2019s climate bank, we are pleased to be joined by key partners to launch this programme to drive international collaboration and deliver results where they matter most \u2014 on the ground, in communities at risk,\u201d he added.
\nGlaciers to Farms envisages mobilising up to $3.5 billion from ADB, GCF, governments, development partners, and the private sector, subject to the participating institutions\u2019 board approvals.
\nIn addition to water and agriculture investments, the programme will support vulnerable communities threatened by glacial melt, particularly in fragile mountain regions.
\n\u201cThe GCF recognises the regional Glaciers to Farms programme as a vital initiative to enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable development,\u201d said Gonzalez.
\n\u201cRecognising the profound vulnerability of mountain communities and ecosystems, this programme is instrumental in safeguarding our precious water resources and empowering those most at risk.
\n\u201cThis programme embodies the essential collaboration and innovative strategies needed to address the severe challenges posed by climate change. Together, we can build a resilient and sustainable future for all \u2014 especially for the vulnerable populations who depend on our mountain landscapes,\u201d he added.
\nThe event was also attended by Minister of Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and Georgia Minister for Economy and Sustainable Development Genadi Arveladze.
\nSignificance
\nGlaciers are essential natural service providers, it said adding they store freshwater that melts gradually, feeding rivers that support demand for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water across national borders.
\nIn upstream areas, shrinking glaciers diminish water flow, impacting local agriculture and increasing water shortages. Downstream, increased glacial runoff can cause floods.
\nAs glaciers continue to shrink, both upstream and downstream communities face greater water and food insecurity and more risk to critical infrastructure.
\nGlaciers to Farms is one of several ADB initiatives to help Asia adapt to melting glaciers. In the Hindu Kush Himalaya, ADB is establishing early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure.
\nIn monsoonal South and Southeast Asia, the bank is enhancing resilience throughout entire river basins.
\nThe United Nations General Assembly has declared 2025 the International Year of Glacier Preservation, while Tajikistan will host the International Conference on Glaciers\u2019 Preservation in Dushanbe next year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Lender to carry out risk assessments of glacial melt under \u201cGlaciers to Farms\u201d initiative ISLAMABAD As countries around the world continue to face worsening effects of climate change, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Sunday launched a new regional programme \u201cGlaciers to Farms\u201d to promote sustainable water use and food security in Central Asia, the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":228072,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-444186","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business"},"yoast_head":"\n