DUSHANBE, January 5, Asia-Plus - International conference dedicated to International Polar Year (IPY) 2007-2008 and the Second Tajikistan’s National Report on Climate Change opened in Dushanbe today morning.  

According to Tajik Hydromet, the conference is considering issues related to a state of the country’s glaciers under the conditions of global climate change, climate changes in Tajikistan as well as fulfillment by Tajikistan of its obligations on the UN Framework Convention on Climate (UNFCCC).  

In parallel with the conference a photo exhibition of the subject of “Glaciers of Tajikistan under the Conditions of Global Climate Change” was organized.  

The conference participants include researchers and representatives from the government and international organizations.   

International Polar Year 2007-2008 is a concerted worldwide effort is underway to plan scientific and educational activities for the upcoming International Polar Year (IPY).  Scheduled to officially begin in March 2007, IPY promises to advance our understanding of how the Earth''s remote polar regions impact global climate systems, to bring about fundamental advances in many areas of science, and to fire the enthusiasm of young men and women for future careers in science and engineering.