Sustainable Mountain Development Programme

Sustainable Mountain Development Programme
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UCA 2026
Sustainable
Mountain Development Programme
University of Central Asia's
Sustainable
Mountain Development Programme 2025
Empowering Central Asia’s Mountain Communities for a Resilient Future
Mountain societies in Central Asia stand at the frontline of the climate crisis—facing immense challenges yet holding incredible potential. Their unique landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fragile economies make them highly vulnerable to climate change, threatening ecosystems, livelihoods, and resilience.
The University of Central Asia (UCA) is committed to tackling these challenges through innovative research, evidence-based solutions, and transformative initiatives that support mitigation, adaptation and sustainability in the region.
As part of this mission, UCA proudly presents the Sustainable Mountain Development (SMD) Programme—a dynamic series of events across our founding states of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, bringing together experts, policymakers, and communities to drive meaningful change.
As UCA marks 25 years of advancing mountain science , our work continues to deepen understanding of climate impacts and strengthen resilience across Central Asia. Let’s stand together to safeguard our mountains for generations to come.
How UCA Supports Mountain Resilience
A Landmark Year for Mountain Sustainability
2025 is a pivotal moment for Central Asia’s mountain regions and for UCA
25th Anniversary
Start of UCA’s Silver Jubilee—Celebrating 25 Years of
commitment to enhancing quality of life
in mountainous regions
Tajikistan
International Year of Glacier Preservation
Kyrgyzstan
Midpoint of Kyrgyzstan’s
"Five Years of Action for Mountain
Development"
A Landmark Year for Mountain Sustainability
2025 is a pivotal moment for Central Asia’s mountain regions and for UCA
25th Anniversary
Start of UCA’s Silver Jubilee—Celebrating 25 Years of commitment to enhancing quality of life in mountainous regions
Tajikistan
International Year of Glacier Preservation
Kyrgyzstan
Midpoint of Kyrgyzstan’s
"Five Years of Action for Mountain
Development"
Upcoming Sustainable Mountain Development Events
The SMD Programme features diverse events across the region, including:
Workshops & Conferences on Climate Resilience and Glacier Protection
Roundtables on Sustainable Economic Growth and Community Adaptation
Exhibitions Showcasing Traditional Knowledge & Innovation in Sustainability
From Almaty and Tekeli (Kazakhstan), Bishkek, Naryn, and Osh (Kyrgyzstan), to Khorog and Dushanbe (Tajikistan), these events will unite thought leaders and change-makers to shape a sustainable future for Central Asia’s mountain communities.
UCA at UNESCO World Glaciers Day Conference 2026
18-19 March 2026
UCA Research Open House in CAO Bishkek
May 2026
World Environmental Day
5 June 2026
International Conference on Climate Change and Human Health in Central Asia
18-19 June 2026
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
IPROMO Summer School
23 June - 7 July 2026
International GIS Day 2026 in Bishkek
18 November
International Mountain Day Quiz for high school students at Naryn campus
11 December 2026
Research and Publications
Climate Change Concerns in Central Asia Public Discourse
This policy brief is based on University of Central Asia research project “Climate Change and environmental stress: the mapping of the conflicts contextualization in Central Asia” supported by United States Institute of Peace.
Read the Publication
The Impact of Climate Change on Central Asian Hydro-Politics
This policy brief based on University of Central Asia research project “Climate Change and environmental stress: the mapping of the conflicts contextualization in Central Asia”
supported by United States Institute of Peace.
Read the Publication
Classification of Mountain Silvopastoral Farming Systems in Walnut Forests of Kyrgyzstan: Determining Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods
Kyrgyz walnut-fruit forests are unique ecosystems inhabited by silvopastoral farm households that depend on forest resources for their livelihoods.
Read the Publication
Improvement of Yak Traits by Natural Insemination for Sustainable Yak Production to Support Rural Livelihoods and Food security in Murgab, Tajikistan
The study was conducted in the high Pamir with an experimental herd of yaks at Pamir Agriculture Research Center (PARC), Murghab (Alichul, Ok Char valley).
Read the Publication
Why Mountain Nations Matter at the COP30 Climate Summit
Central Asia's experience highlights that climate change is inseparable from health equity
Read the Publication
Glacier meltwater contribution to river runoff in Western Mongolia
The study was conducted in three river basins in western Mongolia (Khovd, Uvs, and Zavkhan), focusing on water resources and the role of glacier meltwater.
Read the Publication
High-resolution assessment of climate change impacts on the surface energy and water balance in the glaciated Naryn River basin, Central Asia
The study was conducted in the glaciated Naryn River basin in Central Asia, focusing on the impacts of climate change on surface energy and water balance.
Read the Publication
Modelling runoff components and hydrological processes in glaciated catchments of the inner Tien-Shan, Kyrgyzstan
The study was conducted in glaciated mountain basins of the inner Tien Shan in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on runoff sources and hydrological processes, with detailed analysis centered on the Kara-Batkak glacier reference site.
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Adapting to drought: climate change and agricultural resilience in Batken region of Kyrgyzstan
The study was conducted in Batken region in southwestern Kyrgyzstan, focusing on drought impacts and adaptation strategies in mountainous communities across different altitudinal zones.
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Climate Change and Its Impact on Natural Resources and Rural Livelihoods: Gendered Perspectives from Naryn, Kyrgyzstan
The study was conducted in Naryn Province in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on climate change impacts on rural communities, with an emphasis on environmental changes and gender-specific adaptation strategies along the Naryn River.
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Multifaceted effects of climate dynamics and other environmental stressors on women farmers in the Pamir Mountains
The study was conducted in the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan, focusing on climate change impacts on women farmers, livelihoods, and agricultural practices in vulnerable mountain communities.
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Monitoring the Development of Potential Hazardous Mountain Lakes Using Remote Sensing in the Kyrgyz Republic
The study was conducted in the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on monitoring high-mountain glacial lakes and assessing the risks of outburst floods (GLOFs) using satellite data and remote sensing technologies.
Read the Publication
Localised multi-hazard risk assessment in Kyrgyz Republic
The study was conducted in Suzak district of Jalal-Abad region in the Kyrgyz Republic, focusing on disaster risk assessment using a multi-parameter approach to evaluate hazard, vulnerability, and exposure at the local level.
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The importance of species addition versus replacement varies over succession in plant communities after glacial retreat
The study was conducted across 46 glacier forelands worldwide, focusing on plant succession and the changing roles of species addition and replacement following glacier retreat.
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Long-Term Snow Avalanche Trends in High Mountain Asia: Climatic Drivers and Impacts
The study was conducted across High Mountain Asia, focusing on snow avalanche activity, its impacts on infrastructure, and its relationship with climate variability over recent decades.
Read the Publication
Long-Term Snow Avalanche Trends in High Mountain Asia: Climatic Drivers and Impacts
The study was conducted across High Mountain Asia, focusing on mapping snow avalanche deposits and assessing their impacts on infrastructure and links to changing climate conditions.
Read the Publication
Research and Publications
Climate Change Concerns in Central Asia Public Discourse
This policy brief is based on University of Central Asia research project “Climate Change and environmental stress: the mapping of the conflicts contextualization in Central Asia” supported by United States Institute of Peace.
Read the Publication
The Impact of Climate Change on Central Asian Hydro-Politics
This policy brief based on University of Central Asia research project “Climate Change and environmental stress: the mapping of the conflicts contextualization in Central Asia”
supported by United States Institute of Peace.
Read the Publication
Classification of Mountain Silvopastoral Farming Systems in Walnut Forests of Kyrgyzstan: Determining Opportunities for Sustainable Livelihoods
Kyrgyz walnut-fruit forests are unique ecosystems inhabited by silvopastoral farm households that depend on forest resources for their livelihoods.
Read the Publication
Improvement of Yak Traits by Natural Insemination for Sustainable Yak Production to Support Rural Livelihoods and Food security in Murgab, Tajikistan
The study was conducted in the high Pamir with an experimental herd of yaks at Pamir Agriculture Research Center (PARC), Murghab (Alichul, Ok Char valley).
Read the Publication
Glacier meltwater contribution to river runoff in Western Mongolia
The study was conducted in three river basins in western Mongolia (Khovd, Uvs, and Zavkhan), focusing on water resources and the role of glacier meltwater. Using ERA5 climate data, field observations, and integrated hydrological models, the research simulated river runoff and assessed glacier contributions.
Read the Publication
News
UCA at UNESCO World Glaciers Day Conference 2026
International Mountain Day 2025 message from Rector’s Office
UCA and Presidential Office Mark International Mountain Day with Interschool Quiz
Climate Change and Health Equity in Tajikistan
UCA and Goskartografia Host International GIS Day
UCA’s Mountain Societies Research Institute Strengthens Research and Policy Networks in Almaty
UCA-GSD Workshop on “The Art of Adaptation: Traditional Knowledge of Kut (Environmental Well-being) and Jut (Environmental Ill-being) in the Climate Change Era”
Climate Change and Human Health: Challenges and Adaptation in Kyrgyzstan
UCA Researchers and Students Contribute to Global Dialogue on Mountain Sustainability
Strengthening Climate Resilience and Public Health Through Regional Collaboration
UCA and Talas State University Host Round Table on Climate, Health and Sustainable Development in Talas
UCA Participates in Global Mountain Dialogue for Sustainable Development
Environmental, Social, and Governance metrics and Data Analysis Workshop in Tekeli
UCA Hosts Key Sustainability Events in Tekeli
Round Table - Health and Climate in the South of Kyrgyzstan
UCA at COP29: Advancing Climate Resilience and Decarbonisation in Central Asia
Building Low-Carbon Futures: UCA Partners with Green Academy of Kazakhstan
UCA Hosts Conference on Ecology, Economy, and Society in Central Asia
UCA Hosts International Workshop on Central Asian Glaciers and Climate Adaptation
UCA Sustainability Highlights 2024
12%
Reduction in carbon footprint (compared to 2023)
7.86%
Decrease in total GHG emissions
119.95 tCO₂
Emissions reduced
174,073 kWh
of electricity generated by solar stations
18.80 tCO₂
Emissions prevented
1,000
Plastic bottles recycled
290 kg
of paper collected and recycled
A4 paper purchased in 2024
UCA and SDGs
UCA is dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, education, and community engagement across the mountain regions of Central Asia. The University fosters sustainable development by addressing climate change, biodiversity conservation, resilient livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth. Through initiatives such as the Sustainable Mountain Development Programme (SMD), UCA collaborates with local and global partners to promote evidence-based policies and innovative solutions for environmental and social sustainability.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
UCA’s Institute of Public Policy and Administration of the Graduate School of Development established and coordinates a Think Tank in Kyrgyzstan to Promote Health-Related SDGs. The Think-Tank was established with the support from the Centre for Global Child Health at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto. Alongside original research and evidence gathering, the Think Tank will promote the development of local solutions to facilitate the implementation of health and health-related SDGs by providing guidance on focused research, analysis, and advocacy, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the HHSDGs, and advocacy on HHSDG progress and strategies with government and civil society stakeholders.
Among other activities and outputs of the project are conducting a baseline national situational analysis on HHSDG progress (including but not limited to progress on climate change, mental health, and gender inequalities) and executing research and advocacy activities.
SDG 4: Quality Education
UCA  is one of the world’s few regional, internationally chartered, fully residential institutions with a mission to improve the quality of life of mountain societies.
The School of Arts and Sciences offers Bachelors Degree programmes with majors in Computer Science, Communications and Media, Global Economics, and Earth and Environmental Sciences at its residential campuses in Khorog, Tajikistan and Naryn, Kyrgyzstan. Future plans include majors in Engineering Sciences and Business Management.
The Graduate School of Development (GSD) is the home for multidisciplinary research on Central Asia's social, economic, and cultural development. GSD is comprised of five entities: Institute of Public Policy and Administration, Mountain Societies Research Institute, Civil Society Initiative, Cultural Heritage and Humanities Unit, Aga Khan Humanities Project, and the Afghanistan Research Initiative. With over 150
publications
on its website available for free download, GSD is a singular storehouse of knowledge.
The School of Professional and Continuing Education is the leading provider of short cycle professional education courses designed to improve employment and income-generating opportunities. These courses are offered at 17 learning centres, including five in Afghanistan.
SPCE courses include coding and digital security, digital and media literacy skills, English language, tourism and IT, entrepreneurship, and vocational courses such as electrical training and automotive repairs, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, etc. SPCE is also the only official centre for many international qualifications like the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) and Cambridge Assessment English in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Naryn Urban Resilience Programme (NURP) is a five-year project designed to help transform Naryn town into a resilient urban settlement, equipped to prosper economically, socially and culturally in the challenging mountain environments of Central Asia. NURP promotes partnership between government, community, business, and international agencies to achieve the sustainable investments required for a prosperous and secure economic future for Naryn.
To support the enhancement of resilience in Naryn and cities across Central Asia, the three implementing agencies of AKDN – The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, The Aga Khan Foundation, and the University of Central Asia (UCA), with the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO),have been collaborating with the Governments of Kyrgyzstan (for Naryn) and Tajikistan (for Khorog) to develop a Central Asian model for development tied to international best practice in the delivery of Urban Resilience Programming. The Naryn Urban Resilience Program is an analogue of the Khorog Urban Resilience Program and adopted/adjusted for Kyrgyzstan.
SDG 13: Climate Action
UCA and COP.
UCA actively participated at the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held on 11-15 November in Baku, Azerbaijan. The event brought together global leaders, researchers, and activists to tackle pressing climate issues, with a spotlight on international cooperation for resilience, sustainability, and decarbonisation.
Representing UCA’s Graduate School of Development (GSD), Dr Madina Junussova, a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA), participated in a session on decarbonising urban transport in Central Asia. At the Kyrgyz Republic Pavilion, Dr Vitalii Zaginaev, a Research Fellow at GSD’s Mountain Societies Research Institute (MSRI), shared his research on leveraging modern technologies to monitor natural disasters. Maksim Kulikov, MSRI’s Academic Team Lead, further enriched UCA’s presence at COP29 by sharing findings from social studies conducted in Batken and Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic illustrating how local communities observe and adapt to climate change. He also presented comparative research on the impact of climate change on natural resources in these provinces.
UCA’s involvement at COP29 contributed to raising awareness about the importance of climate risk management in Central Asia, particularly through innovative research and the application of technology. Building on the momentum of COP29, UCA is planning several follow-up initiatives, including the Post-COP29 Winter School in Tekeli in January 2025, which will focus on urban resilience and carbon neutrality for high school students. Additionally, UCA is organising a Green Finance Webinar in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to disseminate knowledge on green finance initiatives.
Become a part of Central Asia Climate & Health Network
Join a growing community of professionals, researchers, and advocates working at the intersection of climate change and public health. Together, we can exchange knowledge, support collaborative projects, and create meaningful solutions for the region.
Register here
We would love to hear from you
Contact Details:
Ms Saule Chalbasova
Strategy Manager, UCA
saule.chalbasova@ucentralasia.org
Mob. +996(770) 822 837
127/1 Toktogul Street, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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