HSF’s Side Event on Glaciers and Migratory Birds Highlights Urgent Climate-Biodiversity Nexus
As part of the 2025 High-Level International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation, the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) Korea co-hosted a high-level side event titled “Glaciers, the 3rd Pole and the Central Asian Flyway of Migratory Birds” on 29 May 2025.
The session brought urgent attention to the accelerating climate and ecological threats faced by the glacier-fed ecosystems of the Pamir Mountains, a critical segment of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF). Held at the Rumi Hotel in Dushanbe, the event convened a diverse group of regional experts, conservation leaders, and institutional partners, including the Central Asian Conservation Network, Ramsar Regional Initiative for Central Asia, and the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).
Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” the Pamir and surrounding mountain ranges are experiencing rapid glacial melt, threatening freshwater reservoirs and essential habitats for migratory birds. These glacier-fed wetlands serve as crucial stopover, breeding, and wintering sites for avian species along the CAF. Without transboundary conservation efforts, habitat loss and climate-induced changes may lead to a severe decline in regional biodiversity.
The session was moderated by Dr. Hyun-Ah Choi, HSF Korea, and opening remark was given by H.E. Mr. York Schuegraf, Ambassador of Germany to Tajikistan.
Key presentations were delivered by Flyways experts. Mr. Maksim Mitropolskiy, CEPA Focal Point of the Ramsar Convention in Uzbekistan, shared insights from the northern glacier regions along the CAF and Mr. Khurshed Alimov, Co-Chair of the Central Asian Conservation Network, highlighted perspectives from the southern glacier regions. Mr. Jeremie Berlioux, Director of the Nature Foundation, presented the southern eastern glacier region (via pre-recorded video). Ms. Minjae Baek, Communication Officer, EAAFP Secretariat, emphasised potential cooperation between the CAF and the EAAF.
The event concluded with a special review by Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, who emphasized the need to designate glacier-fed wetlands as Ramsar Sites and integrate avian biodiversity concerns into the broader climate and cryosphere agenda.
Through active regional dialogue and global partnerships, HSF reaffirms its commitment to promoting evidence-based policy, environmental governance, and resilience-building in fragile mountain ecosystems.
Group photo with Mr. York Schuegraf, Ambassador of Germany to Tajikistan
Group photo with Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. York Schuegraf, Ambassador of Germany to Tajikistan
Presentation by Mr. Maksim Mitropolskiy, CEPA Focal Point of the Ramsar Convention in Uzbekistan
Presentation by and Mr. Khurshed Alimov, Co-Chair of the Central Asian Conservation Network
Presentation by Ms. Minjae Baek, Communication Officer, EAAFP Secretariat
Conclusion by Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Impression from the conference
Impression from the conference
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