National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Climate change, rising temperatures, glacier melt and shifting precipitation patterns are making water resource conservation an increasingly urgent priority for Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan. According to projections, water availability could decline by 30–40% by 2050, while demand for irrigation water could increase by 25%. Estimates suggest that the water deficit could rise from nearly 3 billion cubic metres in 2015 to 7 billion cubic metres by 2030 and reach 15 billion cubic metres by 2050.

To address this challenge, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, in cooperation with FAO, has introduced the Ice Stupa artificial glacier technology in Uzbekistan for the first time. The initiative is being implemented by the FAO Representation in Uzbekistan under the Food Systems, Land Use and Restoration Impact Programme (FOLUR), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

For reference, under the FOLUR Uzbekistan project, the country’s first artificial glacier was established on a pilot basis in the Sarchashma area of Shahrisabz District, Kashkadarya Region. Launched on 9 January 2026, the system uses the natural difference in elevation and water pressure to operate without electric pumps. During the initial trial, approximately 800 cubic metres of ice were accumulated. Water from the melting glacier was used by around 60 local households. This pilot project demonstrated the potential for storing winter water in the form of ice in mountainous areas and using it later when demand for water increases.

The "Ice Stupa" technology is based on using available water sources during the winter season. Water is directed upwards through specially designed pipes and sprayed into the air, where it freezes under low-temperature conditions and gradually accumulates in the form of ice. This process results in the formation of a large artificial ice structure. The stored water gradually melts in spring and summer, when water demand increases, making it available for subsequent use.

This innovative solution makes it possible to store water in the form of ice during winter, improve water availability in arid mountainous areas, provide additional water resources for agriculture and local communities and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change and drought.

The artificial glacier technology is a nature-based solution that harnesses natural conditions and offers new opportunities for sustainable water resource management.