From May 9 to 13, 2022, an expert from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yulia Vystavnaya visited the State Scientific Institution «Center for Research of Glaciers of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan» to implement the national project TAD7004 - Establishing National Capacity for Glacier and Snow Assessment under Changing Climate Conditions. The aim of the project is to conduct the isotopic researches of glaciers and snow cover. Upon completion of the project the reliable data on state of glaciers and water resources in Tajikistan will be obtained, which will allow to evaluate the degradation process of glaciers and the flow of melt water. This assessment will be very helpful for future planning and effective management of water resources of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Within the framework of visit, a meeting was organized with Farhod Rakhimi - Academician, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Ilhom Mirsaidzoda - Director of CBRN Safety and Security Agency of NAST, and other representatives of institutions and centers of NAST. It was noted that goals and objectives of the project are consistent with priorities of the Government of Tajikistan and current program goals of «Center for Research of Glaciers of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan».

Also, a three-day training seminar on the topic “Prospects for the isotopic study of glaciers and snow cover in Tajikistan” was held at State Scientific Institution «Center for Research of Glaciers of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan», which was attended by specialists and employees of the center and representatives of CBRN Safety and Security Agency.
The main purpose of the seminar was to provide participants with practical information on naturally occurring isotopes as indicators to determine the status of glaciers and snow cover, whether they are at risk and susceptible to changing climatic conditions.
 

During the seminar, the representative of the IAEA in her report spoke about activities of the IAEA, noting that the main mission of the organization is to use the atom for peaceful purposes, including science and technology. It was also noted that the IAEA has an Isotope Hydrology Section, which is responsible for development and implementation of the Water Resources Programme.

It was pointed out that, through a technical cooperation program, the IAEA is working closely with Member States to improve the availability and sustainability of freshwater resources through integrated scientific assessments of water resources.
In conclusion, director of State Scientific Institution «Center for Research of Glaciers of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan» Professor Kayumov Abdulkhamid thanked participants of seminar, including Yulia Vystavnaya -  representative of the IAEA and CBRN Safety and Security Agency for cooperation, and noted that this project is an excellent basis for the implementation of initiative of the International Decade for Action "Water for sustainable development" for  2018-2028, which also opens up new horizons in the science of glaciology and hydrology in the face of climate change.

The activities of this project are coordinated by the CBRN Safety and Security Agency of the NAST.