Tajikistan Features - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 241 - 246 of 803

Climate Change

Dushanbe Proposed as Regional Glaciology Hub Amid Accelerating Glacier Melt

Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, speaking in France on June 8 at the launch of the International Decade of Cryosphere Sciences (2025-2034), has proposed establishing a Regional Coordination Center for Glaciology in Dushanbe. The event was held as part of the Third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, which convened heads of state and government from 65 countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and leaders of international organizations. Glaciology Center in the Heart of the Pamir Mountains Addressing the international community, Rahmon underscored Tajikistan's commitment to creating a glaciology center. "Given the importance of glaciers and in order to study the impact of climate change on them more accurately, we have decided, with the assistance of international partners, to establish a Regional Coordination Center for Glaciology in Dushanbe," he stated. He highlighted that Tajikistan is home to up to 60% of all glaciers in Central Asia, playing a pivotal role in the region's sustainable development. However, their rapid shrinkage poses a threat not only locally but globally. Rahmon warned that if current melting trends persist, up to a billion people could face negative consequences by 2050, particularly in coastal areas and on islands. Tajikistan: Initiator of the Climate Agenda Rahmon emphasised that Tajikistan had been a proactive advocate for water and climate issues on the global stage for two decades. He emphasized the broad international support for the joint initiative by Tajikistan and France to designate 2025-2034 as the "Decade of Action for Cryosphere Sciences." "Our initiatives in the field of water and climate issues have received the support of the international community and are being implemented through 14 resolutions of the UN General Assembly," Rahmon noted. He concluded by urging the international community to expand cooperation for cryosphere preservation and the development of scientific potential in this critical area. From Declarations to Coalitions Rahmon's speech followed the first International High-Level Conference on Glacier Protection held in late May. This forum attracted over 2,500 delegates from 80 countries, including scientists, heads of delegations, international organizations, and donor agencies. The conference's primary outcome was the signing of the Dushanbe Declaration, a document advocating for urgent action to protect glaciers and synchronize international efforts. Participants called for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, a transition to sustainable production models, and the implementation of robust climate monitoring systems. An international coalition was also announced, poised to unite states, scientific institutions, environmental movements, and international organizations. Its mandate will include monitoring the declaration's implementation, facilitating the exchange of best practices, attracting investment, and developing climate change adaptation technologies.

4th India-Central Asia Dialogue

Opinion: Strengthening the Silk Bonds — India’s Renewed Push Towards Central Asia

The velvet-draped tables of New Delhi’s 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue convened under the stewardship of External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on June 6, 2025, radiated congeniality, with history and strategy converging. This high-level engagement, attended by foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, marked more than a diplomatic ritual — it signaled India's deepening resolve to recalibrate its strategic posture in a region too long shaped by other powers. Yet beneath pledges of shared civilizational futures and energy corridors, an uncomfortable truth lingered as India remains a guest, not a player, in Central Asia’s great power theatre. Further, India’s internal socio-political landscape presents notable challenges that inadvertently shape its foreign policy credibility, particularly in the eyes of Central Asian nations. Persistent communal tensions — most visibly manifested in the Hindu-Muslim divide, the controversial demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, and the politically charged construction of the Ram Mandir — have deepened perceptions of religious polarization. Such domestic developments, while largely internal, resonate beyond India’s borders, especially in the Muslim-majority Central Asian republics, raising concerns about inclusivity and pluralism in India’s governance model. Simultaneously, India’s strained relations with key neighbors — Pakistan, and China, and increasingly volatile dynamics with Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka — have reinforced a regional image of discord and inconsistency. These internal and regional complexities contribute to a trust deficit, making Central Asian countries cautious in placing long-term strategic confidence in India. For New Delhi to emerge as a dependable partner in the region, addressing internal fissures and presenting a coherent, inclusive national vision is as vital as economic or diplomatic outreach. Central Asia sits at the center of ancient trade routes and modern geopolitical competition. For India, its importance is twofold: the region is a bridge to Eurasia and a repository of energy resources critical to India’s growing economy. But India’s historical connectivity to Central Asia — through the Silk Road, shared cultural legacies, and spiritual exchanges — has, for decades, been overshadowed by geographic and political barriers, notably the lack of direct overland access due to Pakistan. Recognizing these constraints, the dialogue showcased a strategic pivot. India reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chabahar Port in Iran. While geopolitical instability in Iran and Afghanistan poses challenges, India's emphasis on multimodal routes demonstrates pragmatic flexibility. In an era defined by supply chain resilience and multipolar geopolitics, connectivity is no longer just an infrastructure question — it is a currency of influence. The dialogue also addressed the evolving regional security architecture. India’s proposal for counter-terrorism cooperation, capacity building, and intelligence sharing was timely and necessary. However, the dialogue echoed with familiar refrains, viz. civilizational bonds, shared destiny, and multipolar cooperation. Yet beneath the diplomatic choreography lies a haunting question. Can India transcend its historical role as Central Asia’s cultural cousin to become its strategic confidant? History whispers caution. The Burden of History: From Silk Roads to Shadow Roads For centuries, the Silk Road...

Syr Darya River

Strained Currents: Managing the Syr Darya’s Waters

On both banks of the Syr Darya, apartments are springing up. The embankment itself is undergoing extensive renovation. Trucks crawl along, their weight pounding the freshly lain asphalt into shape. Its acrid whiff rankles in the nose for some distance. Kyzylorda’s new Akim, Nurzhan Akhatov, appointed in August 2024, is determined to make the most of his short term in office, explains Kanat Utegenov, founder of LLP ECO GUARD, an ecological laboratory. This makes the new landscaping important. “There is a lot of construction… it is visually noticeable to the population,” he told The Times of Central Asia. “Unfortunately, the economics of it have not necessarily been calculated.” Utegenov cites a new stadium on the left bank of the river as an example of one of these potential white elephant projects. Worse still, all this landscaping is dependent on one critical factor which is only partly under the control of the Akim, and only partly under the control of Kazakhstan. That issue is water. [caption id="attachment_32630" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] The low-running Syr Darya passing through Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan; image: TCA, Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] In late April, the view that a ritzy new apartment buys you is one of sad, sandy banks. Wading birds plod methodically through the mud, looking for worms. The dirty grey river does not so much flow but keeps up a ponderous momentum, inching its way northwest. Some of this water will reach the North Aral Sea, which is being propped up on life support by the Kokaral Dam. Utegenov attributes the low water level as being partly due to climatic change. “Winter has become milder and almost snowless,” he said, adding that it’s not unusual to see a low river in spring. “This is when the rice is planted; all the water goes to the irrigation canals.” Governments across the region are doubling down on rice production, says Bulat Yessekin, an expert on environmental and water policy in Central Asia. However, he points out that growing rice is incredibly inefficient in this part of the world. “If we take into account the full irrigation cycle, five tons (5,000 liters) of water are used to cultivate just one kilo of rice,” he told TCA. However, Kazakhstan’s government is keen to trumpet successes. The use of laser leveling technology in rice fields has helped save over 200 billion liters of water by distributing it more evenly. According to Kazakh state media, this has meant that the yield from each hectare of rice crop has increased by around 60-70%. This has done little to convince Yessekin, who believes this is little more than a sticking plaster. “There was no such need for technology before as there was enough water. Now, such technology has become necessary because otherwise, they will simply not be able to grow the crop. In countries with much greater precipitation, such as Thailand or India, you can grow it, but here there are no prospects for rice. Sooner or later people need to move to other crops.” Yessekin...

Climate Change

Global Declaration on Saving Disappearing Glaciers Signed in Dushanbe

The first high-level international conference focused on the global crisis of glacier melt concluded this week in Dushanbe, marking a major milestone in global environmental cooperation. The event brought together over 2,500 participants from 80 countries, including scientists, NGO representatives, heads of delegations, and international donors. The Dushanbe Declaration A key outcome of the conference was the adoption of the Dushanbe Declaration, a collective commitment to coordinated international action to safeguard glaciers. The document outlines urgent concerns: glaciers are retreating at an alarming rate, threatening the freshwater supply of millions who rely on mountain rivers. “Every piece of glacier lost is a step toward greater threats to the future of humanity,” said Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon. The declaration calls for immediate measures including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, shifts to environmentally sustainable production, and the implementation of advanced monitoring systems. An international coalition was also announced, comprising states, scientific institutions, civil society organizations, and environmental movements. This coalition will oversee the declaration's implementation, facilitate knowledge exchange, attract investment, and foster climate technology innovation. Glacier Protection and Knowledge Access Fund To support practical initiatives, participants agreed to establish an international Glacier Protection and Knowledge Access Fund. The fund will finance scientific expeditions, the installation of glacier monitoring systems, freshwater source restoration projects, and the dissemination of eco-friendly technologies. Countries with limited resources will be prioritized. Education emerged as another central theme. The conference advocated for integrating glacier studies into school and university curricula, and for community-based environmental literacy programs, particularly for youth. Greater public awareness, participants emphasized, is essential for fostering long-term climate resilience. Andrea Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, highlighted the chronic underfunding of climate science. “Funding for science remains extremely limited, even though it is science that enables us to predict risks and develop response measures,” she said, urging both governments and businesses to invest in sustainable monitoring systems. Tajikistan Joins IUCN A significant development during the conference was Tajikistan’s accession to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), joining over 1,400 global members. This move grants Tajikistan access to a broad network of expertise, funding opportunities, and international partnerships, thereby enhancing its role in global environmental policy. In his speech, Rahmon shared sobering statistics: in 2023 alone, glaciers lost an estimated 600 gigatons of fresh water, contributing to rising sea levels and ecosystem instability. Since 2000, the world has lost nearly one-third of its mountain glaciers, and a projected two-degree rise in temperature could eliminate another third. He proposed a seven-point plan, including strengthening international cooperation, early warning systems, and resource mobilization. Central Asia Under Threat The urgency is particularly acute for Central Asia. Over the last 50-60 years, Tajikistan has lost up to 30% of its glacier area and about 20% of its volume. More than 1,000 glaciers have vanished in the past 23 years. According to the UN Environment Programme, over 50% of Central Asia’s glaciers could disappear by 2050, endangering water access for over 64 million people, especially in rural and...

Water Security

Qosh Tepa Canal Sparks Concerns in Central Asia

Afghanistan is rapidly advancing construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal, a large-scale water infrastructure project in the north of the country that could have far-reaching consequences for its Central Asian neighbors, according to Euronews. The 285-kilometer canal aims to divert an estimated 25-30% of the Amu Darya River’s flow to irrigate more than 500,000 hectares of farmland. The Amu Darya is one of Central Asia’s principal water sources, flowing through Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, both downstream countries, depend heavily on the river for agriculture and hydroelectric power. Experts warn the canal could reduce Uzbekistan’s water intake by 15% and Turkmenistan’s by as much as 80%, with potential consequences including reduced crop yields, job losses, deepened poverty, and even cross-border tensions or migration. Although Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are not directly linked to the Amu Darya, the ripple effects could still reach them. Azamatkhan Amirtayev, leader of Kazakhstan’s Baytaq party, cautioned that Uzbekistan may compensate by drawing more water from the Syr Darya River, thereby reducing Kazakhstan’s water supply by up to 40%. Environmental concerns are also mounting. The Aral Sea, already severely degraded by decades of mismanagement, may face further deterioration. “This project could be the last nail in the coffin for the Aral Sea,” said regional water expert Bulat Yessekin. He urged Central Asian countries to engage Afghanistan through offers of shared energy and food in exchange for coordinated water management. The canal’s implications were a key topic at the recent Water Security and Transboundary Water Use conference, where participants warned that it threatens to reverse years of regional cooperation aimed at restoring the Aral Sea. While Central Asian countries participate in international water-sharing frameworks, Afghanistan does not. Its Taliban-led government remains unrecognized internationally and is not bound by existing treaties. However, diplomatic ties are evolving. Uzbekistan has opened channels of cooperation with Kabul, and both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have removed the Taliban from their lists of banned organizations. Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mohammad Naeem Wardak expressed openness to dialogue. “The Qosh Tepa canal will not be to the detriment of anyone,” he stated. Kazakhstan, which chairs the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea in 2025, has proposed using the platform to initiate talks. The country’s Ministry of Water Resources emphasized that any solution must involve regional cooperation and the adoption of water-saving technologies to reduce wastage.

Water Resources

Kyrgyzstan Offers Support to Tajikistan with Innovative Water-Saving Technology

Kyrgyzstan is offering a novel solution to Tajikistan’s mounting water scarcity and pasture degradation: the construction of artificial glaciers, or so-called “ice towers.” These structures store water during the winter and release it during the arid summer months, providing a lifeline for communities affected by climate change. Innovation Amid a Warming Climate The initiative was highlighted during the session “Activating Global Action to Enhance Glacier Resilience: Civil Society Experiences in Central Asia,” held as part of the recent International Conference on Glacier Conservation in Dushanbe. According to Anar Alymkulova, executive director of Kyrgyzstan’s Institute for Sustainable Development, artificial glaciers have proven effective in mitigating the effects of climate change and addressing water shortages. Since the first ice tower was constructed in 2022 in Jalal-Abad, the initiative has expanded significantly. Two more towers were added in 2023, and in 2024, seven were built in Batken region, collectively storing over 1.5 million cubic meters of ice during the winter. By the end of this year, four additional towers are planned in the Batken and Leylek districts. In total, approximately 30 such structures now operate across Kyrgyzstan. How Ice Towers Work The technology is simple yet effective. Water from springs is channeled via an underground pipeline, spanning several kilometers, to a vertical pipe up to 20 meters tall. During winter, water is sprayed from the pipe and freezes, forming an ice tower 30 to 50 meters high. In the spring and summer, the ice melts gradually, supplying water for people and livestock. Oleg Guchgeldiev, Kyrgyzstan's representative in the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), noted that each ice tower costs between $3,000 and $4,000 and can store up to 50,000 cubic meters of water. This method offers a practical solution in remote, arid regions where traditional water sources have become unreliable. A Critical Issue for Tajikistan Sustainable water management is a growing concern in Tajikistan, where more than 1,000 glaciers have disappeared in the last 23 years. The country has lost about 20% of its glacier volume and 30% of its glacier area over the past five to six decades. According to UNEP projections, Central Asia could lose over half its glaciers by 2050, jeopardizing water security for more than 64 million people, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. In response, the Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon spearheaded a successful campaign at the UN General Assembly to declare 2025 the International Year of Glacier Conservation. The initiative culminated in a major conference from May 29 to 31 in Dushanbe, attracting over 2,500 delegates from 80 countries and numerous international organizations. A Scalable Regional Solution The Kyrgyz model of artificial glaciers presents a scalable solution for Tajikistan and potentially the broader Central Asian region. As glacier retreat accelerates and drought risks rise, such technologies could play a key role in national climate adaptation strategies. “Artificial glaciers are not only a way to store water, but also a tool for adapting to a changing climate,” experts at the Dushanbe conference emphasized. “They demonstrate how local communities...