Project Update
OSCE supports first regional glacier preservation summer course in Central Asia
- Issued on:
- Issued by:
- Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities
- Fields of work:
- Environmental activities
The first-ever IPROMO Central Asia course on glaciers preservation and sustainable mountain development brought together participants from across Central Asia from 23 June to 7 July 2026 in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan. It was organized by the University of Central Asia in partnership with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), within the framework of the Mountain Partnership.
The course addressed a growing regional challenge at the intersection of climate action, environmental protection and regional security. “Across Central Asia, glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate. As glaciers shrink and pressure on water and other shared resources grows, the ability to cooperate, communicate, and make informed decisions together become even more essential for security and stability,” said Patrizia Albrecht, Climate Affairs Adviser at the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.
Building on the 2024 Regional Co-operation Strategy on Climate Change and Security in Central Asia’s High Mountain Areas, the course was designed to support capacity-building and regional co-operation to address shared climate-related challenges. It also contributes to broader global initiatives, notably the Five Years of Action for the Development of Mountain Regions (2023–2027) initiated by Kyrgyzstan.
Through a combination of lectures, field visits and group work, participants jointly developed projects that can support climate adaptation in transboundary contexts. Participants also engaged in simulation exercises including climate security risk assessments and programming as well as a water treaty negotiation exercise facilitated by the OSCE and adelphi.
“The course has expanded my understanding of glaciers, climate change, environmental issues, and their implications for sustainable development and stability. As an early-career professional, it has been valuable opportunity to learn from experts across Central Asia and beyond, gain insight into their environmental work, and build connections that will support future collaboration” said Nazarkhotun Anoyatshoeva, Specialist at the International Relations Department of the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, course participant.
By bringing together 24 government officials, practitioners, and specialists from across Central Asia at an elevation of 2,000 meters in Naryn, the course created a unique environment for learning.
“It has been truly inspiring to see young professionals from across the region come together to exchange knowledge, learn from one another, and develop lasting professional and personal connections. Their shared commitment to promoting resilient, sustainable, and inclusive development for mountain communities and high-elevation environments is a powerful investment in the future of the region.” said Dr Denis Samyn, Senior Cryosphere Researcher at the Mountain Societies Research Institute at the University of Central Asia.
Graduates will join the IPROMO Alumni Network, creating opportunities for continued knowledge exchange and regional collaboration. Building on the Mountain Partnership’s two decades of experience delivering the global International Programme on Research and Training on Sustainable Management of Mountain Areas (IPROMO), this first edition focused on Central Asia lays the foundation for sustained co-operation.
“IPROMO was established by the Mountain Partnership over 18 years ago to promote sustainable mountain development worldwide, to establish and strengthen a community of practice; as well as to connect practitioners across the region and beyond. I am pleased to see that through this collaboration, the IPROMO spirit continues in Central Asia. In a region where water, climate, and environmental challenges are deeply interconnected, building co-operation is essential,” said Sara Manuelli, course coordinator and Advocacy lead at the Mountain Partnership Secretariat.
This activity was supported through the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Strengthening Responses to Security Risks from Climate Change in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia”, which is implemented in partnership with adelphi and funded by Andorra, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.