DUSHANBE, October 10, 2011, Asia-Plus -- A group of internationally renowned climate change experts has confirmed the need to better understand the impacts of climate change in Tajikistan, one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change in Central Asia, a press release issued by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Resident Mission in Tajikistan on October 10 said.

The Government of Tajikistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) invited economist Nicholas Silver, climate modeling expert Richard Jones,  glaciologist Vladimir Aizen, and water resources specialist Declan Conway to conduct a mission in Tajikistan from 15-25 September aimed at providing  a sharper focus for the allocation of a multi-million dollar climate fund, the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR).

“Climate change poses a real threat to human development and economic growth in this country,” said Joji Tokeshi, the Country Director of the ADB Resident Mission in Tajikistan.  “This mission brings us another step forward under the PPCR, towards helping Tajikistan become more climate resilient.”

Together with specialists from ADB and the Tajik government, the experts traveled to the Panj River Basin, the bread-basket of Tajikistan, where they talked to local communities, officials and farmers about the region''s increasing number of droughts, floods, and mudslides.

As temperatures rise, these events are projected to become more frequent and severe, and will especially affect the most vulnerable groups such as women, children and rural communities.  In addition to threatening livelihoods and infrastructure, climate change will also impact on Tajikistan''s energy security and critical ecosystems.

The experts confirmed that there is a real knowledge gap among technical experts as well as those directly affected, about the real risks posed by climate change in Tajikistan.

They concluded that greater understanding is needed about the role of glaciers in regulating water resources in the country; about the implications of climate change for agriculture and energy and associated economic costs; and about what can be done to better protect communities from extreme events.

“As this mission has shown,” said Cinzia Losenno, the ADB mission leader, “there is an urgent need to increase financial and technical support to Tajikistan so that the country is better equipped to respond to climate change and achieve its development goals.”

Based on their observations, the experts will make recommendations to the government and ADB about possible future climate actions and projects in Tajikistan.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region.  In 2010, ADB approvals, including co-financing, totaled $17.51 billion.  In addition, ADB''s ongoing Trade Finance Program supported $2.8 billion in trade.