Central and West Asia are among the fastest-warming regions, with temperatures rising by 0.2–0.4°C per decade. Glacier systems in the Pamir and Tien Shan ranges are retreating rapidly; projections indicate over 50 per cent of glacier volume could be lost by 2100. This cryosphere meltdown is disrupting water cycles, threatening the livelihoods and food security of over 340 million people across nine countries. The most vulnerable are women, smallholder farmers, and micro-entrepreneurs who depend on glacier-fed rivers for crops and hydropower. Without urgent intervention, communities risk worsening poverty, displacement, and instability.

The Glaciers to Farms (G2F) Programme responds to this crisis by integrating climate science into development planning and deploying concrete adaptation measures in glacier-dependent river basins. The programme focuses 100 per cent on adaptation and aligns with national priorities, including National Adaptation Plans (NAP), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This project includes several components, including climate-informed planning tools, the development of bankable adaptation projects and new financing approaches such as outcome-based resilience bonds. It aims to expand capacity within Ministries of Finance, Planning and Environment to apply climate budgeting and screening tools. G2F will support the creation of infrastructure for climate finance, mentoring for agriculture enterprises, and design of cross-border pilot projects.

G2F will deliver substantial, measurable improvements in climate resilience for communities and ecosystems. The programme aims to reduce the vulnerability of approximately 45 million people across nine countries by providing more stable water and food supplies, infrastructure that can withstand shocks, stronger social safety nets, and healthier ecosystems.

GCF Project Preparation Facility (PPF) support was provided to conduct feasibility studies and stakeholder consultations across all nine countries, which was instrumental in refining the programme’s design.