Of the total global glacial mass loss, 8.5% occurs in Central Asia, one of the highest rates in the world.
The Vanjakh (Fedchenko) Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Tajikistan and the world’s mountain ranges.Central Asia is increasingly dependent on the rapidly melting glaciers of the Pamir and Tien Shan mountains. This increases the risk of floods, mudflows, and droughts. This is why the Asian Development Bank is launching the $3.5 billion “From Glaciers to Croplands” program.Â
Its goal is  to protect the region from water and crop loss, and to link scientific data on glaciers with practical solutions for agriculture and water resources.