The Asian Development Bank’s Resident Representative in Tajikistan, Ko Sakamoto, stated that Central Asia’s glaciers are a strategic resource that ensures the sustainability of river systems, agriculture, and energy security in the region.
He announced this on May 26 in Dushanbe during the Central Asian Coordination Forum on Monitoring, Assessment, and Predictive Modeling of Glaciers and the Cryosphere, NIAT Khovar reports.
According to Ko Sakamoto, glaciers in Central Asia are more than just ice in the mountains; they are a vital resource that supports water systems and helps protect the livelihoods of people across the region.
He noted that as glaciers retreat, Central Asia faces increasing risks to water supplies, food production, infrastructure, and local communities. These include floods, droughts, and glacial lake outburst floods.
The ADB representative emphasized that these challenges are not only environmental, but also affect development, economic, and public safety issues.
According to him, glacier protection is directly linked to the key areas of the Asian Development Bank’s activities, including ensuring water and food security, increasing resilience to climate change, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Ko Sakamoto also recalled that ADB was a leading partner of the Government of Tajikistan at the first Glacier Conference held last year. Furthermore, as part of the regional initiative “From Glaciers to Farms,” ​​launched in 2024, the organization is strengthening the resilience of glacier-dependent regions by combining scientific research, public policy, and investment.
According to the bank’s representative, glacier protection should include not only monitoring climate change, but also supporting countries in adapting to it through more effective water resource management, developing climate-resilient agriculture, and strengthening the protection of vulnerable mountain communities.
He also noted that no country can solve the problem of melting glaciers on its own, since climate risks, river basins, and the consequences of change extend beyond national borders. In this regard, Ko Sakamoto emphasized the importance of cooperation between governments, regional institutions, scientific organizations, hydrometeorological services, development partners and local communities.
He said collaboration is needed to improve glacier monitoring, strengthen assessment and predictive modeling systems, expand early warning systems, and translate scientific data into practical solutions.
An ADB representative said better information should help formulate effective policies, make more effective investment decisions, and strengthen the protection of communities whose lives and well-being depend on the cryosphere.
He added that ADB stands ready to support this work by facilitating the integration of scientific knowledge with financing mechanisms and the practical implementation of projects.
Ko Sakamoto identified promising areas of cooperation as assessing climate and glacier risks, creating sustainable water storage and irrigation systems, managing watersheds, reducing disaster risks, and developing institutional capacity.
In his opinion, the forum in Dushanbe could contribute to the formation of a common regional platform for the transition from disparate measures to coordinated, science-based, and long-term solutions.
Source: https://en.avesta.tj/2026/05/26/adb-calls-central-asian-glaciers-a-strategic-resource/ Avesta.tj – All rights reserved.