Community awareness sessions on glacier-related hazards held in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region

From 9 to 15 July 2026, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, together with the Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defence and the Agency for Hydrometeorology under the Committee for Environmental Protection, held a series of community awareness sessions on preparedness for glacier-related hazards in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. 

The sessions took place in five villages in Rivak, Varsheds, Shazut, Shitam and Vuzh in Shughnon District, and one village in Darvoz District, with at least 20 community members participating in each session. Participants learned about the role of glaciers as a vital water source, the impact of climate change on glacier retreat, and the risks posed by glacial lakes, including an assessment of the glacial lake above Zigardara village using satellite imagery. Presentations drew on available research findings, while Google Earth satellite imagery was used to illustrate the glaciers surrounding each village and the glacial lakes formed by melting ice.

While residents demonstrated good awareness of hazards in the immediate vicinity of their communities, discussions highlighted the need for greater understanding of more distant risks, particularly those posed by glacial lakes. Participants and organizers recommended continuing community awareness-raising efforts, regular monitoring of glaciers and glacial lakes, and further strengthening early warning systems in the region. 

The initiative contributes to the mandate and priorities of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe by promoting comprehensive security through environmental sustainability, disaster risk reduction and regional co-operation.