A transformative step has been taken to safeguard the future of glacier-dependent communities across Asia. The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $250 million for the “Glaciers to Farms” initiative — a major climate adaptation plan led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This project aims to help regions like Pakistan, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus adapt to the growing challenges of climate change and ensure sustainable agriculture for millions.
A Lifeline for Glacier-Fed Agriculture
According to a statement issued by the ADB, the plan will assist communities in countries that rely heavily on glacier-fed rivers for agriculture, drinking water, and energy. These countries include Pakistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
The $250 million grant funding will complement an additional $3.25 billion from ADB over the next decade. Together, these funds will strengthen irrigation systems, water storage, and watershed management, enabling farmers to maintain productivity despite the rising risks of glacial melt, droughts, and floods.
“Rapid glacial retreat is one of the most complex challenges our region faces,” said Yasmin Siddiqi, ADB Director.
“With support from GCF, Glaciers to Farms will help communities move from short-term fixes to long-term solutions that protect lives and livelihoods today and for the future.”
Focus on Pakistan: Strengthening Mountain Communities
In Pakistan, the project will primarily focus on the Swat River Basin, covering nearly 27 million hectares and directly benefiting around 13 million people. The initiative includes:
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Climate and glacier risk assessments
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Early warning systems for floods and droughts
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Infrastructure to manage glacial lake outbursts
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Community resilience training and awareness programs
The project also aims to empower women and local entrepreneurs by supporting agricultural businesses through social protection programs, health initiatives, and microfinance support for small-scale farmers.
Regional Collaboration and Long-Term Vision
The Glaciers to Farms plan represents a unified regional effort to build resilience and ensure food and water security.
“The Glaciers to Farms plan is a truly innovative and collaborative effort,” said Thomas Eriksson, GCF Director.
“It sets a benchmark for how countries in Central and West Asia can work together to protect water and food systems from climate impacts.”
This initiative, approved during GCF’s 43rd Board Meeting on October 29, 2025, builds on comprehensive glacier risk assessments carried out in 2024, which provided the scientific foundation for the project.
About ADB and the Vision Ahead
Founded in 1966, the Asian Development Bank has been a key partner in promoting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development across Asia and the Pacific. With 69 member countries, including 50 from within the region, ADB continues to lead projects that address critical environmental and developmental challenges.
The Glaciers to Farms initiative marks another step forward — turning global climate finance into local resilience, and ensuring that communities from Pakistan’s northern mountains to Central Asia’s farmlands can thrive even as the planet warms.
Conclusion
This landmark initiative will not only safeguard Pakistan’s water and food systems but also inspire regional cooperation in addressing the shared challenge of climate change.
By linking glaciers to farms — and communities to sustainability — this project offers real hope for a more resilient, secure, and prosperous future.