In collaborative efforts between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and funding from the government of Japan, progress has been made in reducing risks from glacial lake outbursts and mudflows in Kyrgyzstan, UNDP reported. The event, attended by representatives from various ministries, scientific institutions, and stakeholders, served as a platform to showcase the achievements of the project.
Central to the initiative was the development of an information system tailored for monitoring outburst-prone lakes. Equipped with proprietary algorithms driven by machine learning, this system is poised to revolutionize disaster prevention and response efforts. By bolstering the accuracy and efficiency of flood and mudflow forecasts, it promises to minimize the impact of natural disasters on Kyrgyzstan's populace and infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, Akylbek Mazaripov, underscored the importance of enhancing the national disaster monitoring system.
"Strengthening the national disaster monitoring system is a key factor in improving our emergency preparedness," Akylbek Mazaripov asserted.
Japan's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kyrgyz Republic, Hideki Goda, emphasized Japan's recognition of Kyrgyzstan's vulnerability to climate change-induced disasters. He affirmed Japan's commitment to fostering resilience in the face of such challenges through robust cooperation.
UNDP Resident Representative in the Kyrgyz Republic, Alexandra Solovieva, hailed the project as a milestone in promoting sustainable development and human security in Kyrgyzstan. She lauded the collaborative efforts that led to enhancements in the country's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Kanatbek Chynybaev, an expert from the Situation Center of the Presidential Administration of the Kyrgyz Republic, lauded the project's alignment with the National Development Program until 2026. He stressed the importance of comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies that anticipate future threats and leverage innovative forecasting and response methodologies.
The project yielded substantial outcomes across three key areas:
- Development and Approval of the National Action Plan: A comprehensive national action plan until 2030 was formulated, aimed at bolstering the country's capacity for monitoring and forecasting natural disasters. This includes the creation of an automated monitoring system for high-mountain lakes and the conceptualization of a Unified Integrated Monitoring and Forecasting System.
- Strengthening National Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity: Strides were made to enhance the nation's ability to manage risks associated with glacial lake outbursts. This involved updating and integrating software and hardware with access to satellite data into the national disaster monitoring system. Innovative approaches such as machine learning algorithms were employed to improve risk assessment and forecasting systems.
- Enhancing the Adaptive Potential of Local Communities: Local communities in pilot areas underwent training in preventive measures, the development of disaster risk reduction plans, and practical activities such as the construction of protective infrastructure. An extensive information campaign was conducted to bolster public awareness of natural hazards.
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