BLOG
This year, extreme heat waves, as well as flash floods, landslides, and other water-related hazards have hit millions of people across the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH). While historically the different communities living in the region have developed resilience strategies to cope with these harsh conditions, climate change has heightened these risks. Rapid glacier melt, unpredictable weather, and frequent disasters make disaster management an area for urgent improvement.
In September 2024, national disaster management authorities (NDMAs) from Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan came together in Islamabad to share their experiences and learn from each other. This exchange visit, organized by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and find common ways to deal with climate-related disasters. The visit allowed experts to exchange ideas on how to respond to disasters and reduce the risks faced by communities living in this challenging region.
During the exchange visit, a key highlight was a Joint Simulation Exercise held at the National Emergency Operations Center in Islamabad. This exercise focused on the critical risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), drawing attention to GLOF events like the Badswat GLOF in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, and the Imja Glacier in Khumjung, Nepal. With representatives from Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan actively participating, the simulation allowed disaster management experts to share their preparedness and response strategies in each scenario.
Pakistan’s NDMA has dealt with many different types of natural disasters over the years, from a major earthquake in 2005, to the devastating floods of 2010 and 2022. During the visit, participants learnt how the agency deploys disaster management technologies, tools and approaches in emergencies.
Pakistan’s disaster management system is decentralized, meaning local authorities at the provincial and district levels have the power to respond quickly to emergencies. This structure ensures that communities across the country are better prepared for disasters, with faster response times and strategies tailored to the needs of each region.
One of the key messages from the exchange was the need for countries in the HKH region to work together more closely. As past disasters such as floods and landslides show, hazards do not stop at national borders. Transboundary cooperation in areas like early warning systems, data sharing, joint disaster simulations, and coordinated response strategies is essential for effective disaster management.
Participants discussed the potential for creating a regional platform where disaster management authorities from the HKH region could regularly meet to share data, strategies, and best practices. The idea of a regional early warning system also gained attention. Such a system could help countries share important information about incoming disasters, allowing for faster and more coordinated responses. This kind of collaboration could make a huge difference in saving lives and reducing the impact of natural disasters in the region.
This exchange visit is just one step toward a larger goal: building a more resilient future for the HKH region. As climate change continues to increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, cooperation between the region’s NDMAs will be more important than ever.
Lt. General Inam Malik, Chairman of NDMA Pakistan, highlighted the importance of both sharing Pakistan’s experiences and learning from its neighbours, particularly in areas like climate-induced tourism risks. His vision for collaboration focuses on several key areas:
Anil Pokhrel, Chief Executive of Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, noted the shared experiences of Nepal and Pakistan in facing large-scale seismic and climate-induced disasters. “This exchange has offered us important lessons from Pakistan’s advancements in disaster response, particularly in their emergency operations,” he said. “By working together, we can enhance our preparedness for glacial lake outburst floods, a common threat driven by climate change, and identify new opportunities for collaboration in disaster risk management.”
Sonam Tshewang, Executive Engineer at Bhutan's Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation. “This initiative underscores how critical it is for our countries to work together. The knowledge we have gained here will enhance our disaster management efforts back home.”
Arun B. Shrestha, who leads ICIMOD’s Climate and Environmental Risks work, reiterated the value of the exchange in preparing for future disasters. “ICIMOD’s mission is to promote knowledge-sharing and strengthen the network of disaster management professionals across the region. The challenges we face are collective, and so too must be our solutions.”
Mountains are crucial for ecological protection, serving as vital reservoirs of natural resources and biodiversity. However, their rugged terrain presents unique challenges, including unstable slopes, fragile ecosystems, and natural hazards such as landslides, debris flows, and flash floods. These complexities are further exacerbated by climate change and human activities, making the protection of mountain environments both urgent and difficult. The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region exemplifies this intricate dynamic. As a key area for studying mountain ecology, resources, environmental challenges, and sustainable development, the HKH serves as a natural laboratory for understanding the multifaceted nature of mountain environments. Despite its significance, the region faces considerable challenges in balancing environmental protection with sustainable development.
On 29-30 July, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in collaboration with the Sub-Society on Mountain Research of the Geographical Society of China and the Central Department of Geography at Tribhuvan University, hosted the International Conference on ‘Environmental Protection, Modernization, and Sustainable Development in Mountain Regions’. This event aimed to draw attention to the HKH and encourage expanded research collaborations and partnerships across this critical region.
The conference attracted over 150 scientists, scholars, and sustainable mountain development practitioners, including representatives from India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, the UK, and beyond. Sessions covered a wide range of topics essential to the HKH region, including a Regional Dialogue on Accelerating Climate Resilience in the Hydropower Sector of the HKH Region, which emphasised the need for climate-resilient approaches in hydropower development, given the increasing risks posed by climate change, and an academic session on Disaster Risk, Cryosphere, and Water Research, where participants discussed the growing threats to the cryosphere and water resources in the HKH, and the need for robust disaster risk management strategies.
Key presentations included 'Disaster and Recovery Experience of Upper Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric Project' by Bikram Sthapit, CEO of Bhote Koshi Power Company Pvt. Ltd. He emphasized the crucial collaboration between his company and Chinese scientist Prof. Chen Ningsheng of Yangtze University and IMHE-CAS, who provided support in transboundary disaster assessment and information sharing for the 2016 GLOF that occurred upstream in China but caused significant damage to the Upper Bhote Koshi Hydroelectric Project downstream in Nepal. Additional sessions showcased research updates that underscored the interconnectedness of ecosystems and livelihoods, the importance of sustainable development practices benefiting both people and nature, and the impacts of human activities on land use and agriculture in reshaping the HKH landscape.
This conference was one of the largest knowledge-sharing events hosted by ICIMOD, in partnership with organisations from China and Nepal, aimed at disseminating the latest research, identifying knowledge gaps, and setting the stage for future initiatives to address these gaps. More than 60 institutions participated, fostering potential collaboration opportunities, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ICIMOD and the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) to collaborate on advancing climate-resilient hydropower development across the HKH.
A notable highlight of the conference was a panel discussion that emphasised ICIMOD's role as a platform for bringing together voices from across the region. Representatives from five regional member countries (India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, and Pakistan) discussed the implications of modernisation and sustainable development for the HKH region's mountains and communities. For example, Ms. Tshering Lhamo Dukpa, Senior Lecturer of Development Economics from Royal Thimphu College, shared her insights into preserving cultural heritage and addressing the development aspirations of mountain communities in Bhutan, while Prof. Fan Linfeng of IMHE-CAS discussed the trade-offs between development and environmental protection, using China's “Clear Waters and Green Mountains” campaign as an example of a people-centered approach to people’s wellbeing that emphasises the importance of harmony between man and nature, reflecting the traditional Chinese philosophy of Tian Ren He Yi.
As the HKH region continues to face environmental and developmental challenges, the collaborative efforts showcased at this conference represent a significant step forward. By fostering partnerships and sharing knowledge, the region's researchers and institutions are better equipped to address the complex issues ahead. This conference not only highlighted the importance of protecting mountain environments but also emphasised the need for sustainable development that considers both ecological integrity and the well-being of the communities that call these mountains home.
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中国地理学会山地分会2024年学术年会在尼泊尔加德满都召开 https://www.gsc.org.cn/gsc/xueshuDetail.html?id=20&contentId=1756
http://www.imde.cas.cn/kydt_2015/202408/t20240802_7240513.html
I have visited different cities in China many times; among them is Lijiang, in Yunnan province in southwestern China. This time I was there to attend the launch workshop of the Third Pole Climate Forum (TPCF) of the Third Pole Regional Climate Centre (TPRCC)-Network. The ‘third pole’ refers to the high mountain region of Asia, including the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region above 2000m, which features the largest area of frozen water outside the polar regions. This workshop in early June was attended by about 70 professionals from 18 countries engaged with the TPRCC-Network.
The TPRCC-Network is led by the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and consists of three sub-regional geographical nodes – (i) Northern TP Node; (ii) Southern TP Node (India); and (iii) Western TP Node (Pakistan). It is facilitated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The TPCF provides a regional collaborative platform that brings together national, regional, and international climate experts, users, and stakeholders, including national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHSs). It is led by the CMA in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department, the Pakistan Meteorological Department, and the WMO. ICIMOD is a technical partner to the TPRCC-Network, along with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Third Pole Environment (TPE), Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), Global Water and Energy Exchanges (GEWEX) and Mountain Research Initiative (MRI). My colleague Miriam Jackson and I have been participating online in several TPRCC-Network meetings since last year.
It was exciting to visit yet another ancient city in China. I was travelling with another participant, and after an hour’s scenic bus ride at dusk, we approached the brightly lit Lijiang. Being a centre of tourism, there were many shops and restaurants catering to lively groups of people.
The city of Lijiang is said to go back more than 100,000 years and is considered one of the most important centres of ancient human activity in southwestern China. It is famous for its Old Town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town contains a fascinating blend of different historical architectural styles, and its water management and culture are an important part of its heritage. The system was built during the late Song dynasty, in the late 13th century CE. I was very keen to explore the ancient city’s traditional water management system. As we walked through the Old City, on either side of the old cobblestone streets, we saw drains that kept the road dry despite the rain. We took a long walk through the ancient city, admiring its beauty and its well-preserved infrastructure, including the traditional water wheels that were used for irrigation.
A field visit to the Yulong glacier situated in the Hengduan mountain range was an eye opener. A cable car took us to a glacier park with an observation platform at 4,506 metres above sea level (masl) (14,783 ft). I had never been on a cable car at such an altitude. There was also another observation deck, about 200m higher, with winding steps going up the mountain side.
Despite it being a rainy day, there were many tourists, with raincoats and carrying portable oxygen cylinders. There has been a sharp rise in the number of tourists in the Yulong area in recent years, from 1.2 million in 2002 to 4.32 million in 2018 with numbers continuing to rise. The influx of tourists is good for the local economy but had me wondering about its impacts on glaciers in the area, and on the rate of glacial melt in particular. My concerns were substantiated by an article in the Journal of Glaciology, which suggested that the major reason for glacier retreat in the Yulong mountain was the increasing number of visitors to the glaciers and the development of unsustainable tourism activities and infrastructure such as roads, hotels, cableways, and communication lines that accompanied the increase in the number of vehicles and a rise in the region’s ‘floating populations’. Tourism has undoubtedly been an economic boost for Lijiang city, but has also resulted in unsustainable water use. In addition, inadequate water management measures have caused a deterioration in the water quality.
Wang et al. (2020) show that glaciers in the Yulong Snow Mountain retreated by 64 per cent between 1957 and 2017. Between these years, the mean annual mass balance of one of the glaciers (Baishui River Glacier No. 1) was -0.42 ‘metre water equivalent’ – a term used to indicate whether a glacier has become thicker or thinner, – which is higher than that reported for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region in ICIMOD’s 2023 HI-WISE report on the cryosphere and ecosystems in the HKH.
A number of observation stations have been installed on the Yulong mountain by the Chinese Academy of Sciences to monitor the changes in the cryosphere. The first real-time monitoring system for glaciers in China was established in 2021. Due to global warming and localised anthropogenic factors, the snow line – the altitude above which there is snow perennially – in the Yulong Snow Mountain continues to rise, and there is an accelerated melting and shrinking of glaciers, with profound impacts on the availability of water.
Participants at the inaugural session of the TPCF mainly discussed the demands of climate and cryosphere products and services for the Third Pole and assessed the current state of monitoring of the Asian alpine climate system. A seasonal outlook was discussed and finalised. The statement from the workshop provided an overview of surface air temperature (SAT), precipitation, snow cover, and the extreme events and hazards observed during the preceding season in regions of the Third Pole, and offered an outlook for temperature and precipitation for June to September 2024 to inform decision-making.
The workshop and visits to Lijiang and the Yulong glacier underlined the practical importance of an improved understanding of the cryosphere through knowledge and information and its linkages with people and society. The TPRCC-Network plans to organise regular meetings of the TPCF twice a year to provide seasonal outlooks that would enable better preparedness and improved decision-making in the Third Pole region.
Originating from the glaciers of Tibet, the mighty Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra River carves its path through some of the most ecologically and geopolitically complex regions in the world, and is one of the world’s most densely populated river basins. It provides essential resources like water, food and electricity, and economic opportunities in the form of agriculture and fishing; as such, it is a lifeline for over 114 million people across Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and India. Despite its importance, the basin remains largely underdeveloped.
Sharing a river’s bounties requires sharing its burdens too. The basin faces many cascading challenges that are transboundary in nature. Climate change impacts, such as an increase in glacier melt, erratic rainfall patterns and extreme weather, has heightened vulnerability and water insecurity for downstream communities, particularly for women and marginalised groups.
The Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra River holds immense potential for sustainable development and prosperity. Realising this potential requires regional collaboration to address transboundary challenges.
Recognising the need for joint action to address the transboundary challenges of the river basin, ICIMOD convened scholars, development professionals, and entrepreneurs in December 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal, to initiate discussions around forming a network of various stakeholders, tentatively called the Brahmaputra Basin Network (BBN). This network was envisioned to foster dialogue, collaborative research, and collective action among the riparian countries. As a result of this meeting, the participants decided to name the network the ‘Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra Basin Network’ (YBBN) for greater inclusivity.
During the recent YBBN stakeholder meeting, held on 17 July, 2024, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the network had a real breakthrough. With 37 key stakeholders from three riverine countries, this meeting marked a significant step in formalising the YBBN and establishing four thematic technical working groups to guide the network’s future efforts. The meeting was organised by ICIMOD’s group on ‘Resilient River Basins of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)’ and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the TROSA Phase-2 project.
The working groups will focus on hydrology and climate, environmental conservation, socio-economic impacts, and policy outreach, ensuring comprehensive regional cooperation. An ad-hoc committee with representatives from Bangladesh, China, and India was also formed to oversee the development of these working groups and ensure ongoing stakeholder engagement. Although Bhutan was not present, efforts are underway to involve Bhutanese authorities in future discussions, highlighting the importance of their participation for the long-term resilience of the basin. These collective efforts not only strengthen the foundation for transboundary cooperation but also enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of the network’s initiatives, ensuring that they reflect the diverse needs and aspirations of the communities dependent on the river.
The Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra River basin faces numerous challenges, including the impacts of climate change and developmental activities that are altering the natural flow and health of the river. Bangladesh, located at the lower end of the basin, is already grappling with reduced dry season flows, which affect groundwater recharge, fisheries, and irrigation. Floods, soil erosion, and sedimentation further exacerbate these challenges, leading to significant socio-economic impacts, including forced migration, loss of livelihoods, and diminished access to essential services. Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition among the riverine countries that collaboration is not just beneficial but essential. The recent renewal of the MoU on ‘Provision of Hydrological Information of the Yaluzangbu (Yarlung Zangbo)/ Brahmaputra River in Flood Season by China to Bangladesh’ is a positive sign of this effort.
As highlighted in the recent report by ICIMOD and partners, Elevating River Basin Governance and Cooperation in the HKH region: Summary Report I, Yarlung-Tsangpo-Siang-Brahmaputra-Jamuna River Basin, “there is a view that gains in water security for one country must result in losses in water security for the other.” The YBBN, therefore, aims to shift this narrative from a zero-sum mentality – where one country’s gain is perceived as another’s loss – to one of shared benefits and responsibilities. By fostering greater data sharing, transparency, and joint research, the network seeks to harness the river’s full potential for the mutual benefit of all basin countries.
The Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra River basin stands at a crossroads – or a confluence. The challenges it faces – from climate change to geopolitical tensions – are significant, but so too are the opportunities for sustainable development through regional cooperation. The YBBN represents a critical step in this direction, offering a platform for collaborative research, knowledge sharing, and policy advancement. It operates via a basin-wide approach that addresses the water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus across the basin, guided by the network’s four working groups.
By embracing this network and committing to cooperation, the riverine countries can unlock the river’s vast potential, to build a climate-resilient and sustainable future for millions of people. The YBBN is more than just a network, it is a call to action – an invitation to work together in building a prosperous and secure future for the Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra basin.
In the words of the stakeholders who gathered in Dhaka, “the key to this future lies in open dialogue, shared understanding, and a collective commitment to the wellbeing of the river and its people”. The YBBN, with ICIMOD as its secretariat, is poised to lead this effort, transforming water security from a competition into a shared goal that benefits communities across borders. As we mark World Rivers Day, this year on 22nd September, it is a poignant moment to build awareness of the essential collaboration that the YBBN aims to bring to the riverine communities of the Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra basin, to ensure the continued values that this powerful river brings to millions amidst growing challenges.
This year’s Beijing International Forum for Metropolitan Clean Air and Climate Actions took place in the same district where I lived some months in 2019, when I worked on air quality management in collaboration with the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology to set-up a modelling platform based on the French model CHIMERE. With characteristic energy, the district, and city, has been transformed in the five years since I left—with the revival of cycling, an abundance of green spaces, progress on solar, and perhaps the most dramatic improvement of all in the quality of the air that the city’s 22 million people breathe.
China has over the course of the last decade completely reversed its air quality, going from laggard on air quality to leader in carbon emission intensity, particulate matter (PM), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emission reductions, with Beijing’s PM2.5 concentrations dropping from 90 µg/m3 in 2013 to around 32 µg/m3 in 2023.
What many admire most, of course, is that China proved that it is possible to ‘decouple’ air pollutant emissions and GDP growth.
Invited by Clean Air Asia, I could travel to the city this month to attend the 2024 Beijing International Forum for Metropolitan Clean Air and Climate Actions hosted by the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau (BEE) and supported by the BRI International Green Development Coalition (BRIGC), Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI), C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) and organized by Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing Municipal Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center, and Beijing Climate Change Management Center. This forum took place on the margins of the annual China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS).
Zhao Yingmin, Vice Minister, Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China (MEE), who often represents China at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties, and Tan Xuxiang, Vice Mayor, the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality opened the event: underscoring the progress China, and in particular Beijing, has made in addressing air quality, and the co-benefits of such action for climate outcomes. The impact of air pollution on ecosystems, green areas and glaciers were cited as important challenges.
As well as pointing out the impact of the stringent air pollution policies China has introduced since 2012, they pointed out that unilateral action alone could not solve the challenge of air pollution, given its global and transboundary nature.
Gino Van Begin, Secretary General of ICLEI spotlighted the central role of cities in reducing emissions, with a particular focus on Nature-based Solutions; Zou Ji, CEO & President of Energy Foundation China, spoke on the environmental meaning of high-quality development, underscoring the importance of China’s target of PM2.5 concentrations of 30 µg/m3 by 2030.
Julia Lipton, Director of Climate Action Planning and Innovation, C40 Cities, the leading global network for city mayors confronting the climate crisis, highlighted good practice: including Barcelona’s tourist tax to finance heat pumps and solar panels, and Boston’s efforts to discourage fossil fuel use in new buildings.
Sydney Vergis, Deputy Executive Officer, California Air Resources Board (CARB) presented on California’s work and ambition in the deployment of electric vehicles (especially trucks); and Jung Yoo-Jin, Climate & Environment Headquarters, Seoul, Republic of Korea, set out control measures adopted in Seoul to tackle volatile organic compounds, primarily released from gasoline and solvents, including paintings, favored in high temperatures.
Glynda Bathan-Baterina, Deputy Executive Director of Clean Air in Asia (CAA) emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in achieving Clean Air in Asia and the huge opportunity to learn from China’s leadership on air pollution.
Liu Baoxian, Deputy Director General of Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau (BEE) unveiled updated statistics on pollution and carbon in the city: with Beijing recording 271 days of good air quality, 95 days more than 10 years ago.
In Beijing, since 2013, carbon emission intensity has been reduced by more than 50%, PM emissions by 64%, SO2 emissions by 89 %, NO2 emissions by 54%. These reductions translated in improved wellbeing of publics, and recognition by the international community. Keeping these mitigation efforts could lead in 2035 to concentrations below 25 µg/m3.
Matthew Katz, Senior Program Officer, ICLEI USA presented a dashboard to monitor GHG emissions based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) techniques and other functionalities (ClimateView Plateform 2.0).
Science and data to guide and assess mitigation action remains key to maintaining emission reductions. In Beijing, data is drawn from online reporting from industries, monitoring of flying dust from construction, and volatile organic compounds, with machine learning deployed to manage data and identify sources and ultimately to treat any violations of environmental laws.
China’s air quality forecasting can be delivered by models like the EarthLab system, which couples atmospheric, ocean and ecosystem models, Pr. Wang Zifa, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences told delegates. The tool uses a French application, MUNICH, to simulate air quality up to the street level.
Despite the huge progress made in reducing PM2.5 concentrations since their maximum in 2013, challenges remain, reductions of PM2.5 concentrations now starting to stall. Ozone concentrations remain an issue and have even increased since 2015. However, there are huge lessons South Asia, and the world can learn from China’s approaches, with a huge amount to be done to increase interregional collaboration and national action to ensure we genuinely secure clean air for everyone. The good news is how open Chinese local and central government seem to sharing what has worked.
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), launched a three-day Policy Action Dialogue titled, “Tackling Climate Change Impacts on Cryosphere, Water, Food Security, & Disaster Risk Reduction.” The event convened officials from relevant departments of federal and subnational governments in Pakistan, briniging diverse stakehoders together to address critical challenges posed by climate change and to develop strategies for effective policy implementation.
Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, emphasized in his welcome remarks the vital role ICIMOD plays in addressing the complex environmental challenges of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. "Pakistan, with 7,253 glaciers—the highest number outside the polar regions—is vulnerable to both floods and droughts. We must improve access to climate data for at-risk communities," he stated, highlighting that although technologies exist, scaling them effectively remains a challenge. Dr. Gyamtsho stressed that disaster risk reduction should focus beyond preparedness and prevention, urging investment in planning and implementation. Aisha Khan, Chief Executive of CSCCC, underscored the ecological significance of mountains and the interconnectedness between upstream and downstream communities. She called for an “all-of-government and all-of-society” approach to climate change adaptation, emphasizing the need for a shift from merely identifying gaps to real time implementation.
Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change at MoCC&EC, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of the Indus River, which supplies freshwater to the people of Pakistan but is under severe stress due to rising temperatures. She pointed to the government's efforts, including the Living Indus Project, Recharge Pakistan, and GLOF-II, which aim to address water scarcity and the growing risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). "Climate change knows no borders," she remarked, stressing the need for cross-sector coordination, investment in sustainable practices, and community-based adaptation to build resilience.
Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), emphasized the alarming impact of warming on the cryosphere, revealing that glacial melt in the Indus River basin is accelerating at a dangerous rate. He cited a 23.3% decrease in snow cover between November 2023 and April 2024 and an annual glacial melt rate of 3%, with an additional 16% mass loss over the past five years. He warned that while melting may provide temporary water surpluses, the long-term implications are dire and require urgent attention. He urged on the need for a regional approach to address the cryospheric crisis. 2
Dr. Arun Bakhta Shrestha, Strategic Group Lead at ICIMOD, elaborated on the future of water availability in the HKH region, noting that glaciers in the region could lose between 30-75% of their ice volume by the end of the century, depending on the pace of global warming. "The Indus River Basin, with the highest Water Tower Index (WTI) in the world, is the most vulnerable," he said. "As ice melt begins earlier, it will impact spring and autumn flows, exacerbating water scarcity for communities reliant on glacial meltwater for agriculture." Dr. Shrestha stressed that innovation, implementation, and financing are essential to address the looming water crisis related to cryosphere.
Special remarks delivered by Ms. Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Acting Secretary of MoCC&EC emphasized on the need for making the cryosphere an integral part of the climate discourse in Pakistan. Ahmed Kamal, Chairman of the Federal Flood Commission and Neelofur Hafeez, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MoNFS&R) highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation to tackle the multifaceted challenges of climate change.
The first day of the dialogue provided an in-depth overview of climate change impacts on Pakistan’s cryosphere, disaster management, and agriculture. The initial session, chaired by Mr. Anil Pokhrel, Chief Executive of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority of Nepal, featured presentations on cryosphere risks and disaster management from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Balochistan.
The second session, chaired by Dr. Asif Ali, Chairman of the National Seed Development and Regulation Authority, focused on water availability and agricultural challenges. Presentations were delivered by experts from the Global Climate-Change Impact Studies Centre, the Punjab Irrigation Department, the Sindh Irrigation (PCRWR), the Soil and Water Conservation Directorate of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Water Management and Irrigation Department of Gilgit-Baltistan, highlighting the urgent need to address water management and food security in the face of climate stressors.
This three-day dialogue serves as a crucial platform for generating actionable insights and driving collaboration among various stakeholders, as Pakistan confronts the escalating impacts of climate change on its water resources, food security, and disaster resilience.
PRESS RELEASE - Closing
Dialogue on Cyrosphere, Climate and Policy Action concludes emphasinging urgent need to bridge the policy-implementation gap
Islamabad – Wednesday, 13 September 2024 - The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC) and the Civil Society Coalition for Climate Change (CSCCC), concluded a three-day Policy Action Dialogue titled, “Tackling Climate Change Impacts on Cryosphere, Water, Food Security, & Disaster Risk Reduction.” This event provided a platform for critical discussions on Pakistan’s current policy landscape surrounding climate change, water security, food security, and disaster risk reduction (DRR), emphasizing the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy and implementation.
The final day of the dialogue on Legislative Oversight featured a keynote address by Honorable Justice Ayesha Malik of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, focusing on the role of climate litigation in advancing climate justice. Justice Malik stressed that the judiciary has played a vital role in addressing climate-related cases through the lens of human rights, sustainable development, and environmental protection. However, she expressed disappointment with the lack of enforcement of court rulings on climate justice, citing numerous instances where decisions had been ignored or inadequately implemented. “Climate change is fundamentally a human rights issue,” Justice Malik remarked. “This crisis affects not just people, but every living being—plants, animals, and entire ecosystems.” She called for moving beyond mere acknowledgment of climate change as a critical issue, urging actionable steps and an end to working in silos. “Climate change doesn’t work in isolation; it’s coming at us full force. Policies will not be effective unless they have clear targets, deadlines, and mechanisms for monitoring and accountability.” She underscored the importance of strengthening institutions and governance systems to ensure that policies are translated into concrete action for the betterment of the people.
The Closing Keynote presented by Senator Sherry Rehman, Former Minister for Climate Change and Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination emphasized the importance of understanding the cryosphere, which plays a crucial role in Pakistan’s water cycle, and expressed concern about human activities that are accelerating the melting of glaciers. Rehman stressed that Pakistan’s dependence on glacial-fed rivers, especially the Indus River, makes it highly vulnerable to climate-induced disasters, such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which have devastating impacts on infrastructure and livelihoods. She also raised alarm over the global consequences of melting permafrost, which could release infectious pathogens and increase the risk of future pandemics, likening the climate crisis to broader health and environmental threats. Senator Rehman criticized the lack of coordinated action on climate policies, attributing failure to policy paralysis, weak governance issues, siloed thinking, and creating new agencies rather than strengthening existing institutions. She argued that the focus should be on enhancing the capacity of current offices and utilizing a "magic triangle" approach, involving the private sector, central government, and provinces, to address climate challenges.
On 13 September 2024, ICIMOD and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially renewed and expanded their longstanding partnership with the signing of a strategic Partnership Agreement at ICIMOD’s headquarters in Kathmandu.
This Agreement, formally approved by the Organization’s Executive Board in March 2024, reaffirms a historic collaboration that began in the early 1980s when UNESCO played a pivotal role in the establishment of ICIMOD, highlighting the shared commitment of both organizations to sustainable mountain development and the conservation of cultural and natural heritage in the HKH region.
UNESCO's involvement with ICIMOD dates back to 1981 when the Government of Nepal and UNESCO agreed to establish ICIMOD as a regional intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre dedicated to supporting the development of sustainable mountain ecosystems and improving the living standards of mountain populations.
The collaboration was formalized in 1983 through the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development Act of the Government of Nepal, with ICIMOD being set up to serve the people of the HKH region, encompassing Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
As a leading organization in global science, biodiversity, cultural and natural heritage conservation, and water governance, UNESCO has been instrumental in advancing international cooperation in the sciences, education, and culture.
The renewed collaboration reflects a deepened commitment by both ICIMOD and UNESCO to address the unique challenges faced by the HKH region, also known as the "Third Pole" due to its critical role as a major watershed for South Asia and the HKH.
The Agreement outlines a strengthened collaboration between ICIMOD and UNESCO to identify and pursue joint actions and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing integrated mountain development in the HKH region. The partnership will draw on ICIMOD’s expertise in sustainable mountain development, river basin and cryosphere management, climate action, and local and indigenous knowledge, and UNESCO’s global leadership in natural sciences, cultural heritage conservation, and education.
Key areas of cooperation include:
The signing of this Agreement marks a significant step forward in the partnership between ICIMOD and UNESCO as they work together to address the complex challenges of sustainable mountain development in the HKH region. By building on their shared history and aligning their strategic goals, both organizations are committed to driving impactful progress in conservation, climate action, and the sustainable development of mountain communities.
As ICIMOD advances its Strategy 2030 and UNESCO continues its work under the Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2029, this partnership is set to deliver integrated and meaningful actions that benefit the people and ecosystems of the HKH, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for this vital region.
Vibrant purples and blues of intriguing blooms called our attention as we made our way through forests and hills carpeted with a rich mixture of greens, greys, and earth tones. Despite the cautionary advice to not touch or smell any flowers or plants to avoid any allergies or contact toxicity, we could not help but closely admire the seemingly ordinary plants and herbs. But this was no normal botanical display – we were surrounded by a wealth of highly prized medicinal plants and herbs as we walked through Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP) in north-western Bhutan.
“This place is a living pharmacy!” exclaimed Izabella Koziell, ICIMOD’s Deputy Director General, “we should be collecting herbs along the way”. This sent a wave of laughter through the team, as we continued our journey through Bhutan’s second-largest national park, where, according to the park’s team, more than two hundred species of medicinal herbs have been recorded, boasting myriad health benefits.
JDNP is a testament to Bhutan’s rich biodiversity, proudly preserving several of the nation’s iconic symbols. Within its borders, you will find the majestic cypress (Cupressus torulosa) – the revered national tree, the takin (Budorcas taxicolor), best described as ‘having the body of a cow and the face of a goat’ – the national animal, the blue poppy (Meconopsis grandis) – an emblematic national flower, and the raven (Corvus corax) – the national bird.
In addition to being a sanctuary for these iconic species, JDNP is also a treasure trove of medicinal herbs, as we discovered on our journey – part of the ‘Lingzhi – Laya Walkshop’ undertaken by a team from ICIMOD and partners from Bhutan in September 2023. The ‘walkshop’ is an initiative of ICIMOD to connect and interact with mountain communities to understand their urgent needs and issues from their perspective in the face of climate change.
At the heart of mountain livelihoods within JDNP lies a pivotal practice – the collection of medicinal plants, herbs, and other species. Throughout our journey in the national park, we encountered yak herders collecting herbs, whose highland livelihoods are closely tied to both yak products and medicinal herbs.
Photo credit: Thinley Norbu
The Caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), also known as yartsa gunbu – translated as ‘winter worm, summer grass’ – is found across the expanse of the park. Yartsa gunbu is sometimes called ‘Himalayan gold’, given its high price and popularity in the market. It is used as a tonic for many ailments, including as an aphrodisiac in traditional medicine, and to alleviate liver and kidney diseases, diabetes, fatigue, and dizziness, among many others.
A yak herder we met at Shodu (4,000 metres above sea level, masl) proudly shared with us that he had gathered a plentiful harvest of yartsa gunbu during the last collection season and had earned a good income from the sales. Further north, at Tshering Yangu (4,220 masl), three women yak herders described their routine, which involves tending to their yaks while simultaneously collecting medicinal species. These include yartsa gunbu, kutki/puti shing (Picrorhiza kurroa), and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) – used for a range of conditions and ailments.
The gathering of medicinal herbs leverages the unique biodiversity of the JDNP, capitalising on the abundance of natural resources in the remote highlands. The collection of high-value herbs has diversified the income sources for highland communities, helping them to build their resilience to better cope with uncertainties from climate change, such as extreme weather events, and changes in pasture conditions that affect yak herding.
This livelihood strategy of combining herb collection and yak herding underscores the profound significance of high-value herb gathering in sustaining the livelihoods of remote mountain communities in Bhutan.
The heavy dependence on herb collection for livelihoods comes with its threats and challenges, many of which are just emerging. Among these is the encroachment of invasive species and shrubs on rangelands, such as rumex species and rhododendron shrubberies, which have significantly threatened the growth and harvesting of medicinal herbs. The changing climate may also be affecting the proliferation and upslope movement of these shrubs and invasive species.
The collection of medicinal herbs is at risk of declining, likely due to the changing climate. Changes in weather patterns have altered the growth and phenology – the annually recurring sequence of plant developmental stages, including flowering, fruiting, and seeding – of medicinal herbs, resulting in reduced harvests. Unpredictable and irregular rainfall has exacerbated soil erosion and landslides, further impacting areas where medicinal herbs are harvested.
According to Menjong Sorig, a state-owned enterprise of the Royal Government of Bhutan that follows Sowa Rigpa, an ancient traditional medicinal system influenced by Buddhist philosophy, there are also issues with collection practices. With medicinal herbs high in demand, the number of collectors has increased in the highlands. Unfortunately, these collectors often fail to follow sustainable collection practices, resulting in overharvesting and damage to plants and sites, which may have contributed to the decline in the availability of medicinal herbs.
Thinley Norbu, Sr. Pharmaceutical Technician at Menjong Sorig, also stresses that the future of herb collection and its contribution to mountain livelihoods depends on the stability of the natural habitats of herbs and the maintenance of sustainable populations in the collection areas through appropriate collection techniques. This includes gathering only plants that are found in abundance, avoiding unnecessary damage to plants, harvesting conservatively by taking no more than 30–50% using the ‘thinning method’, and covering the hole after digging or uprooting to protect against infection and invasion by pests.
Despite the recent decline in their availability, medicinal species remain relatively abundant in the region. For that reason, bioprospecting – the systematic and organised search for useful products derived from bioresources from which medicinal drugs and other commercially valuable compounds can be obtained – holds significant promise for uplifting high-altitude communities, such as those in JDNP, by fostering nature-based livelihoods.
ICIMOD, under its project, the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), is committed to establishing an enabling environment that supports and sustains the development of bioprospecting-based value chains and enterprises in Bhutan and Nepal.
The experiences and outcomes in Bhutan, with a prioritised pilot site in JDNP, will serve as a valuable intervention and evidence to facilitate the scaling of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in India and Nepal. NbS are actions to protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural ecosystems that address environmental, social, economic, and gender-related challenges while simultaneously providing human wellbeing and biodiversity benefits.
Our efforts within the framework of HI-REAP are directed towards documenting valuable medicinal plants, enhancing the capabilities of processing and pharmaceutical companies to diversify their products, and refining benefit-sharing mechanisms with a focus on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) and the rights of Indigenous people. We look forward to exploring nature’s pharmacy in other mountain communities across the HKH, and to help enhance highlanders’ livelihoods that work in harmony with nature.
Curation and Photo credits: Thinley Norbu
Onosma hookeri Clarke, Altitude: 2834–5800 masl
Used for asthma, hypertension, and pneumonia
Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Altitude: 3500–4800 masl
Used as an anticoagulant, diarrhoea alleviator, blood-enriching agent, detoxifier, and fever reducer
Polygonatum verticillatum, Altitude: 3500–4800 masl
Used as a tonic, revitalizer, aphrodisiac, appetite stimulant, digestion aid, dewormer, headache relief, growth regulator, calming agent for children, and anti-aging remedy. It also helps with dizziness, blurred vision, boils, oedema (dropsy), gout, skin rashes, and general discomfort.
Leontopodium himalayanum, Altitude: 3800–5500 masl
Useful as an ingredient for moxibustion
Rhododendron wallichii, Altitude: 3800- 5500 masl
Used as a haemostatic and neutraliser, and as an ingredient in incense products.
The article was published in Oman Observer.
Air respects no borders, nor does the pollution it carries. When crop residues are burned in one area, the resulting smog does not stay put – it spreads across borders, choking the skies over neighbouring regions, states, and countries, reminding us that air quality is a shared problem. This is particularly true in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) and Himalayan Foothills (HF) where air pollution has been rapidly increasing, leading to significant declines in air quality over the past two decades. The IGP-HF is a huge region, spanning much of northern and eastern India, Pakistan, and Nepal’s southern lowlands, running parallel to the Himalaya mountains.
A ‘perfect storm’ of factors makes this area particularly susceptible to air pollution, including the geographical and meteorological conditions – particularly the huge plain where transboundary pollution is shared, flanked by high mountains that serve to ‘trap’ the pollution in the area. This is combined with rapid urban growth, residential emissions, industrial development, and agricultural practices, including the burning of crop residues.
Pollutants like particulate matter (PM), ozone (O3), black carbon (BC), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and carbon monoxide (CO) released or formed in one area easily cross borders, making the IGP-HF region one of the most polluted in the world, with impacts across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). Recent studies have highlighted a significant increase in methane emissions, which is accelerating climate change and contributing to the rise of ground-level ozone. These pollutants not only degrade air quality but also disrupt weather patterns, alter biodiversity and accelerate glacier melt through atmospheric warming or related processes. Efforts to address air pollution and climate change are gaining momentum across all levels – from individual actions to large-scale government initiatives.
The transboundary nature of this issue calls for coordinated efforts across borders to tackle shared air quality challenges. However, each country or region has its own mechanisms, policies, and regulations for addressing air pollution. This includes using diverse methodologies and frameworks for air quality monitoring, leading to disparities in measurement and reporting. This is where regional harmonisation becomes crucial. Just as a musical harmony combines different notes being played at once, so ‘harmonising’ actions from different levels of governments, departments and experts requires all these groups to listen to the others and combine efforts so that they work together more easily. Implementing actions within an airshed – or a geographic area sharing common air flow and pollution patterns – can only be truly effective when these actions are synchronised and harmonised across regions and across local, provincial and national governments, commonly referred to as ‘jurisdictions’.
Regional harmonisation can bring countries together, aligning their policies and practices to jointly monitor, control, and mitigate air pollution. Such a coordinated approach is essential for effectively tackling transboundary air pollution and ensuring a healthier environment for all.
Regional harmonisation in addressing air pollution has already been proven effective through various successful initiatives across the world. These efforts highlight the importance of standardised practices in air quality management. One notable example is the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution, which has led to a reduction of sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions by up to 95% in its member countries since the early 1980s. This achievement showcases the power of coordinated international action. The European Union’s common air quality standards, which apply uniformly across member states, ensure consistent and agreed methodologies for measurement, reporting, and mitigation strategies of air pollution. This approach, echoed by initiatives like the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and Canada’s National Air Pollution Surveillance Program, underscores the critical role of uniform standards in achieving cleaner air.
Another notable example is the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET), which began in 1998 as an intergovernmental cooperation programme aimed at monitoring acid deposition, also known as acid rain, and its impact on natural ecosystems across East Asia and the western Pacific. Currently, 13 of 16 East Asian countries participate in EANET, sharing data and working together to understand distribution of pollutants and its effects. This network exemplifies good practice in fostering regional harmonisation in air quality management through collaborative monitoring, data sharing, and joint research, helping to mitigate acid deposition and improve environmental health across the region.
In South Asia, the 1998 Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution has facilitated collaboration among eight South Asian countries by promoting coordinated research, monitoring, and policy development to combat transboundary air pollution. Lessons learned from this declaration could provide valuable insights for other regional cooperative efforts and ensure their sustainability in the South Asian context. ICIMOD is committed to taking lessons forward to advance coordinated efforts to address transboundary air pollution in South Asia.
In 2022, ICIMOD with the World Bank organised the First Science–Policy Dialogue on air quality management in the IGP-HF in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, to advance the airshed approach and regional harmonisation. This dialogue highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan to improve air quality in the IGP-HF. It proposed several key actions, including developing a regional framework for air quality improvement by 2030, sharing science-based air quality management (AQM) experiences, and building regional analytical capacity. The dialogue also emphasised the importance of regular meetings for policy coordination and knowledge exchange.
Building on the Kathmandu roadmap, ICIMOD and partners held the second regional Science–Policy Dialogue on air quality management in the IGP-HF in Bhutan in June 2024. A significant result from this event was the ‘Thimphu Outcome’ with eleven crucial recommendations for the IGP-HF region. To address some of the challenges, the Thimphu Outcome recommends implementing the Kathmandu roadmap through national and sub-national clean air programmes. It suggests setting an aspirational goal of reducing annual PM2.5 levels to less than 35 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) by 2035, forming a technical committee to create a coordinated structure for developing air quality management (AQM) strategies, sharing knowledge through a common platform, leveraging funding for green technologies, and building capacity among various stakeholders.
Although regional harmonisation could be transformative for the IGP-HF in addressing air pollution, it is an undeniably complex task. Some of the following challenges may arise during regional harmonisation:
Political, bureaucratic, and regulatory complexities: Given the realities on the ground, the harmonisation process among countries in the IGP-HF region is often challenged by intricate bureaucratic procedures, different legal frameworks, and evolving political landscapes. The complex government structures, along with varying national policies, shifting priorities, and political tensions, add layers of complexity to regional cooperation, making it more challenging to achieve consensus and foster collaboration.
Data comparability: Inconsistent data collection practices, measurement methods, and reporting standards can undermine the accuracy and comparability of shared air quality information. Uniform data collection and analysis is challenging due to differing measurement units, reporting formats, and methodologies.
Disparities in capacities and resources: Variations in institutional capacities, funding mechanisms, and technological infrastructure can impact the implementation of harmonised strategies. A lack of consensus on the allocation of resources can further complicate efforts to establish common systems and data-sharing platforms.
Communication and coordination challenges: Effective collaboration and knowledge sharing are often hindered by the complexity of addressing multiple pollutants, diverse sources, and varied impacts. Although these elements are interconnected, a lack of harmonisation in communication and coordination can lead to a fragmented approach. What is essential is creating a coherent, unified strategy that ensures different stakeholders working on various aspects of the issue are aligned, avoiding a perception of disjointed or chaotic efforts.
Socio-cultural and historical issues: Cultural differences, societal norms, and public perceptions play significant roles in the acceptance and implementation of harmonised measures. Building trust and balancing regional cooperation with the priorities of neighbouring regions, states, and countries can be challenging, particularly where conflict may exist between participating nations.
To achieve regional harmonisation for effective and sustainable air quality actions, we need to focus on several key areas:
Standardisation of monitoring and reporting: Establish uniform and consistent protocols for data comparisons across borders, including common data reporting formats and methodologies.
Data sharing and collaborative knowledge generation: Facilitate the exchange of air quality data and information across regions through formal and informal arrangements. Focus on generating, synthesising, and sharing actionable knowledge that can directly inform policy and on-the-ground interventions.
Public awareness and coherent messaging: Implement a unified and consistent strategy to raise awareness and educate the public on air quality issues. Ensure that the messaging is clear, accessible, and resonates with diverse audiences across regions, promoting a cohesive understanding and engagement with air quality challenges.
Policy harmonisation: Align regulatory frameworks by establishing cross-border regulatory bodies, harmonising policies through proper legal instruments, and creating unified enforcement mechanisms for air quality control across jurisdictions.
Technology transfer and capacity building: Facilitate collaboration on sustainable air control technologies, share best practices, and invest in capacity-building efforts to ensure all regions have the tools needed to implement effective solutions.
Solution and implementation harmonisation: Ensure that all regions work towards aligned and coherent solutions, from technology use to public health interventions, creating a unified approach that avoids fragmented efforts.
Through harmonised efforts, we can achieve significant improvements in air quality, benefiting public health, reducing the impact on ecosystems, and contributing to a more sustainable and resilient environment for future generations. ICIMOD’s programme called ‘Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action’ (HI-REAP), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, works to promote Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for socio-ecological resilience, low-carbon economies, and improved air quality in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal, and building on knowledge and learning from China. Experts from our Air team lead the component on air quality and are committed to advancing regional harmonisation in tackling air pollution across the HKH and the IGP-HF. The goal is to enhance understanding of air pollutant emissions, atmospheric processes, and their impacts, while promoting collaborative mitigation efforts and policy solutions. We are working to align the efforts of our regional member countries, seizing emerging opportunities to address the growing challenges of air pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Regional harmony may come with challenges, but with strong leadership, open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to cleaner air, it is well within our reach.
Sometimes known as ‘the water tower of Asia’, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region also holds immense potential for hydropower generation. Countries in the region are exploring the potential of hydropower, which has contributed to making it a cornerstone of the economic and social growth in the region. But the looming shadow of climate change casts a dark shadow over this renewable energy source. Rapid glacier melt, erratic precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are increasingly threatening the stability and sustainability of hydropower projects, which require a constant and steady source of water.
The abundant water resources of the HKH region are due in large part to its huge expanses of snow, and the largest volume of ice on Earth outside of the polar regions. The region’s glaciers and snowmelt feed 10 major rivers, providing freshwater services to 240 million people living in the HKH region and 1.65 billion downstream.
Most countries in the HKH region continue to struggle with an energy deficit; 72% of energy comes from non-renewable sources, only the remaining 28% comes from renewables. Countries in the region need to explore their untapped renewable energy sources including hydropower and ensure that their electricity supply is evenly distributed to light up the rural areas and meet the energy demands of its burgeoning urban population.
The World Bank projects that the South Asian region is to remain the fastest growing economy for the next two years. While this overall rate of growth may be deceptive considering the unequal distribution of resources, the region can explore its untapped hydropower potential to narrow energy inequality. However, this sector is also threatened by climate change and associated extreme weather events, making water supply unpredictable and exposing energy infrastructure to hazards.
Ensuring that hydropower infrastructure is resilient to climate change and associated extremes means making a significant change in how projects are planned and developed, and how policies are positioned to encourage equitable distribution of benefits from energy production.
ICIMOD’s intervention on Resilient River Basins is working to develop frameworks and tools to assess climate risks across entire river basins, to support environmentally sustainable hydropower development. Such frameworks allow researchers to better understand potential risks, such as glacial lake outburst floods and changing rainfall patterns, and to devise the best way to manage them. As part of this, ICIMOD is working with Nepal’s Water and Energy Commission (WECS) to develop comprehensive guidelines for climate-resilient hydropower development in Nepal.
Similarly, ICIMOD has joined forces with the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA) to strengthen climate-resilient hydropower planning and development in the region. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 30 July 2024 will see the two organisations collaborating to advance climate-resilient hydropower development across the region.
Through this MoU, ICIMOD and HSA will:
“We can no longer afford unsustainable hydropower projects; their negative impacts must be avoided and managed. Organisations like ICIMOD and HSA must strive to influence policies that minimise negative impacts and maximise intended benefits,” commented Ashok Kosla, President of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance, during the signing of the MoU.
ICIMOD’s Deputy Director General, Izabella Koziell said, “Collaboration is key to addressing the complex challenges facing the HKH region. By joining forces with HSA, we are demonstrating a shared commitment to sustainable hydropower development and climate resilience."
The MoU was exchanged during the regional dialogue on ‘Accelerating climate resilience in the hydropower sector of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region’ at ICIMOD. Such regional dialogues bring together government representatives and technical experts on a shared non-political platform – in this case to underscore the critical need for climate resilience in hydropower planning and development.
“Sharing experiences and lessons learnt from practices, tools and approaches in climate-resilient hydropower in the region and globally is critical for developing robust guidelines for the HKH”, said Arun Bhakta Shrestha, Strategic Group Lead for Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks.
The 30 July regional dialogue was attended by government representatives and technical experts from Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and global hydropower resilience scholars and practitioners. The discussions highlighted the urgent challenges posed by climate change in our region, including glacial melt, erratic precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These challenges demand our immediate attention and collaborative efforts to ensure the sustainability and resilience of hydropower infrastructure across the HKH region.
The collaboration is supported by the Government of Norway and implemented by ICIMOD’s Action Area on Managing cryosphere and water risks, under the Strategic Group on Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks.
Reflecting a major stepping-up of collective ambition to tackle soaring pollution in one of the most densely populated and severely polluted airsheds on Earth, key stakeholders from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan gathered in Bhutan on 26 and 27 June for a regional dialogue on air quality management.
The event produced an outcome text that for the first time accents the need for a regional working group of experts and scientists from government, academia, and concerned agencies to develop air quality management strategies, to assess and identify research gaps, and needs.
Stakeholders also emphasised the urgent need to scale up funding for clean air.
The event, a follow-up to a breakthrough event held in Kathmandu in 2022 that created the Kathmandu Roadmap for Improving Air Quality, brought together high-level policy-makers from both national and state/municipal governments across the Indo-Gangetic Plains and the Himalayan Foothills region (IGP-HF), a region that holds the world’s most polluted airsheds in the most densely populated region.
The outcome text, the Thimphu Outcome, published today, sets out seven common positions, representing a shared understanding and appreciation of issues among regional actors, donors, academics, and government agencies. It also recommends a set of 11 actions to improve air quality in the region which were agreed during the course of the meeting. They agreed to meet next year to structure and frame this regional cooperation to efficiently tackle the issue of air pollution in the region. A technical committee will be established by the end of this year to set out an appropriate structure.
Participants at the event, which is one of series of high-level Science-Policy Dialogues the Kathmandu-headquartered intergovernmental centre ICIMOD convenes in order to drive progress in priority policy areas, were drawn from ministries and/or departments of energy and natural resources, environment, forests and climate change, science, technology and environment, and pollution control boards in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Donor agencies and other development partners including UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UK FCDO), Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC), US Embassy Kathmandu, Clean Air Fund, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) - Forum for International Cooperation on Air Pollution (FICAP), and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) also attended the event.
ICIMOD’s science-policy dialogue series are designed to provide a platform for the HKH countries to share common challenges, to collaborate on and accelerate the take-up of solutions and to develop coordinated plans and strategies and exchange knowledge, ideas and best practices to address such transboundary and regional issues and challenges.
At the Bhutan Air Quality Management Dialogue, which was jointly convened with World Bank, government representatives discussed policies, plans and tools they’ve designed and deployed to tackle air pollution in the IGP-HF region, such as Bangladesh’s national air quality management plan for Dhaka, and Pakistan’s penalty for polluters in Punjab province.
Representatives of the following organizations and agencies approved the outcome text:
World Bank; Clean Air Fund; British Embassy Kathmandu; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; Dalberg; United Nations Environment Programme; Asian Development Bank; US Embassy Nepal; kfw Germany; UNOPS.
Bangladesh’s Department of Environment and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Bhutan’s Department of Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
India’s Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India; Central Pollution Control Board; Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Area; Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Punjab; Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh; West Bengal State Pollution Control Board.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Government of Pakistan; Environment Protection and Climate Change Department, the Government of the Punjab; Planning and Development Department, the Government of the Punjab.
Nepal’s Ministry of Forest and Environment and the Department of Environment.
Honourable Prime Minister, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
I’m delighted to represent ICIMOD for the second year at this trailblazing conference to turbocharge the nation’s start-ups.
ICIMOD is profoundly proud to partner with the Government of Nepal, the Chamber of Commerce, MoICS, IEDI, FNCCI, UGC, and PUM Netherlands on this important journey, and I greatly applaud the progress so far, and particularly today’s announcement that the GoN will inject an additional Rs 1 billion into the 2024 budget of capital into start-ups.
This investment is certain to help unleash a fresh wave of enterprise in the country, and sends an important signal to investors, development partners, and aspiring entrepreneurs that this sector is a priority for the nation’s industrial strategy.
Looking back, I am pleased that we've had the opportunity to work closely with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies on this since 2021, and so thrilled to see it get traction so quickly: with the first national conference in 2022 and last year’s landmark pledge to deliver a startup nation by 2030. Since then, we’ve facilitated exchange visits to India for Nepali policymakers that were instrumental in the establishment of the MOICS Industrial Enterprise Development Institute (IEDI).
ICIMOD remains committed, and will continue to support the institute, build capacity and ensure that the IEDI (Industrial Enterprise Development Institute) can effectively incubate startups that are green, resilient and inclusive. We will champion Nature-based Solutions and set up an incubation centre in the Madhesh Pradesh.
What is also certain is that today we stand on the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution, and the investment we're discussing today, along with this conference, helps position Nepal to reap the benefit from that revolution.
The next industrial revolution will be set to eclipse the changes unleashed by all its forerunners, powering change more widespread than steam, railroads, electricity, Internet and yes, even AI. Because this revolution is not just about human’s amazing capacity for innovation – the fuel of previous changes – but also about the most existential fight of all our lives.
This is innovation that responds to the need to change everything in order to not just improve lives, but to actually safeguard both current and future human existence.
The science is completely unequivocal – without complete reinvention of the systems that surround us, we, as a species, as a planet, are set to shoot through Earth’s planetary boundaries. These boundaries are the very ones that make life on Earth viable, for ourselves, and countless other species.
Faced with such an existential imperative, there is, all over the world, a very welcome scramble for solutions.
Everywhere from Timbuktu to Kathmandu, entrepreneurs (and yes, intrapreneurs) are prototyping the tools, products, and services that will turbocharge the complete reinvention of the systems that surround us.
They’re dreaming up ways to rewire the energy systems that heat and light our homes and lives. Working in labs and greenhouses to upend how we grow food. Designing new blueprints to transform housing and reinvent cities. Switching up the goods and services we buy and sell. These entrepreneurs are dreaming up the jobs and businesses of tomorrow.
We cannot carry on whipping the dead horse of a broken, industrial economy, where we, in economist Kate Raworth’s words, “Take materials, stick them in the pipe of production, use it – often once, then throw it away.” Something she calls the “take make use lose model.” Raworth says we need to bend this ‘linear’ model into a curve: using resources “again, and again, and again and again, creatively, collectively, carefully, and slowly, like nature knew how.”
These circular businesses already exist – and across Nepal, many, many communities maintain a lived memory of living in this circular way. It’s game-changing for the planet, and for our chances to survive on it.
And as everyone here knows, it’s good for business. As green entrepreneur Dale Vince, the founder of one of the biggest renewable energy companies in the UK said just last month, “This is not about polar bears, and ice caps. It’s about jobs, and growth, and GDP.”
And while this fourth, regenerative revolution may not be perceptible to everyone as yet: the green shoots of it are everywhere. I’ve been to every COP for years, and it is completely amazing to see the solutions stage, and the civil society and business zones bursting with so many new ideas, and technologies to fix this existential challenge.
My partner is an entrepreneur, and it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest that startups, always the first to spot an opportunity for a game-changing disruption, are leading the charge.
Already, we have China’s ‘battery king’ Zeng Yuqun. We’ve seen India’s first solar, and now the electric two-wheeler revolution. I’m optimistic that with the help of the catalytic work of those in the room today – by tirelessly championing and advancing green start up skills, talent, capital, and by creating supportive regulations and ecosystems – the next big green entrepreneurial breakthrough will be from Nepal.
Let’s make the Kathmandu Valley the Silicon Valley of green growth. Thank you!
At the outer reaches of our atmosphere, roughly 700 kilometres from the Earth’s surface, satellites are capturing images – in this case, of crops and cropland over large areas. The images are beamed back to Earth where scientists analyse them in order to monitor agriculture, identify crops, and estimate the size of farmers’ yields. This technology is crucial in order to monitor large agricultural areas efficiently, and would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional ground surveys.
This accurate and rapid monitoring data is crucial to determine the minimum support price (MSP), which gives both farmers and consumers a fair and stable price for their crops in the market. When farmers have higher production, they can choose either to consume the surplus crops, or sell them at the market or to the government, using the already established MSP. This creates a stable environment for farmers and consumers, ultimately strengthening the food security of farming families.
In 2022–2023, Nepal achieved a remarkable 4.33 per cent increase in paddy production, churning out 5.72 million metric tons. The images captured by the satellites provided the crucial baseline information that was required to develop this production data. This technology is known as ‘remote sensing-supported crop area mapping’, and was conducted by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in collaboration with Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Department (MoALD).
The data was used to chart estimates of crop areas; since 2019, such estimates have been enabling the Government of Nepal (GoN) to make informed decisions based on reliable agricultural statistics to bolster the food security status of the country. The GoN also established agricultural information services to facilitate data and knowledge exchange between the relevant departments and the wider user community.
Much of this has to do with a collaborative exercise – between ICIMOD and MoALD – developing an operational service using remote sensing (RS) and machine learning (ML) for estimating crop area and yield. This collaboration culminated in the ministry’s first successful use of Earth observation (EO) data for crop field estimation, which took place during 2022–2023.
This collaborative technological pursuit came about following recent reports detailing the food and nutrition security status in Nepal. One report from the World Food Programme shows that approximately 4.26 million people (14.6 percent of the population) were food insecure in 2023. Similarly, the Global Hunger Index shows that 5.4 percent of the population was malnourished between 2020–2022. One acute instance is the case of Karnali Province in western Nepal, where 24.1 percent of households come in the bracket of ‘moderately and severely food insecure’. This status is exacerbated by climate change and poor harvesting practices.
Importantly, a high hunger line will continue to hinder the population in achieving their full human potential and limit the country in being able to accomplish the SDG goals related to education, health, and gender equality. To address this, the GoN felt the need to build the capacity of the overall food security monitoring system within the government. This includes the development of skilled staff, who would be trained and empowered to generate reliable and timely information, thereby aiding in the planning and policy decision-making processes.
The leadership at MoALD was keen to adopt new data science technologies like RS-based rice crop mapping to generate information more efficiently and to enhance data quality for evidence-based decision-making. Looking ahead, MoALD has expressed its resolve to build the capacity of its staff by utilising these tools and technologies, with potential support from ICIMOD.
Read here the related blog on how ICIMOD and MoALD have been cultivating an effective partnership through state-of-the-art technology.
Remote sensing involves gathering information from a distance, often using the power of satellites. Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence whereby computers use data and algorithms in order to learn for themselves, without being specifically programmed. The SERVIR Hindu Kush Himalaya (SERVIR-HKH) Initiative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Department (MoALD) have been using remote sensing (RS) and machine learning (ML) techniques to adopt new technologies in food security assessment since 2019.
In 2020–2021, MoALD used these technologies to generate in-season rice maps for 21 districts in the Terai, the lowland regions of southern Nepal. The team used RS imagery of croplands, and machine learning algorithms such as the ‘Random Forest classification technique’ to identify rice areas. These maps were then employed to ascertain the estimates of rice production which are further used to determine the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of rice each year. The MSP safeguards farmers by ensuring they receive a fair price, while also keeping rice affordable for consumers.
ICIMOD experts provided training to MoALD officials on using the Geographic Information System (GIS) services and RS data in crop mapping. ICIMOD conducted a series of knowledge-sharing workshops on EO-supported in-season crop area estimation in Nepal. These training sessions helped to enhance the technological knowledge of the MoALD agriculture professionals – they are now able to proficiently utilise GIT and EO in crop monitoring and damage assessment.
The training sessions also involved imparting technical skills to MoALD professionals, equipping them to effectively collect field data and utilise mobile applications such as GeoFairy, which is used to collect precise field data, and Google Earth Engine, which can be used for rice area mapping. Such training sessions, with their comprehensive insights into advanced techniques and tools, have empowered the agriculture ministry professionals to make informed decisions regarding crop management, monitoring, and damage assessment. The impact of these training sessions will help develop technical expertise working in this field within MoALD, leading to reliable and improved agricultural statistics, optimising resource utilisation, and ultimately strengthening food security measures in the areas served by MoALD.
The introduction of high-quality crop mapping has also bridged information gaps among federal and subnational institutions, and has now become a dependable resource for consistent crop status assessment and the communication of consistent agricultural information across the country. Moreover, despite being relatively new, this technology is already supporting community- and national-level agriculture management by providing scientific and reliable data.
This collaborative exercise between ICIMOD and MoALD has significantly boosted the Ministry’s confidence in employing sophisticated data-driven technologies. Looking to the long term, by using GIT and EO in crop monitoring, the overall resilience and efficiency of Nepal’s agricultural system stand to be well served. This infusion of state-of-the-art technology is a significant step towards the creation of a more informed and productive agricultural landscape, where food insecurity will no longer be an issue across the country and its communities.
Read here the related blog on ‘Satellite imagery in rice crop mapping: Sowing the seeds for stronger food security’
In the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), we face numerous environmental challenges that demand innovative solutions. Powerful tools like Remote Sensing (RS) and Geoinformation Systems (GIS) play a key role in addressing environmental challenges in the HKH region through data-driven decision-making.
To harness the power of these tools, we need skilled professionals who can interpret data and turn it into meaningful actions. That’s why educating our students in RS and GIS is essential.
Educating students in these technologies is vital to develop local expertise and future readiness in disaster management, to address critical challenges in climate change, food security, water and related disasters, land use, and air quality.
When the Institute of Remote Sensing and GIS (IRS) of Jahangirnagar University, Bangladesh, joined forces with SERVIR-HKH, an initiative implemented by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the USA’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the aim was to set an example in regional capacity-building collaboration to strengthen institutions. This has now started bearing fruits for the IRS as the institute has been able to produce students who are pioneering geospatial research in Bangladesh; at a larger level, the partnership has also elevated the institute’s academic standards.
Last year, under this SERVIR-HKH initiative, 10 IRS students were awarded funding to delve into research topics of national significance, including water resource management, crop yield estimation, forest cover mapping, water quality monitoring, and large-scale flash flood assessment. Their work, spanning a spectrum of critical areas, was showcased and applauded at a recent knowledge-sharing workshop held on 28 April 2024 at the IRS.
Rajesh Bahadur Thapa, Senior Remote Sensing and Geoinformation Specialist, and Science and Data Lead of SERVIR-HKH, led the workshop and made a presentation on ‘Earth Observation Applications for Improved Climate Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya’. This presentation was replete with cutting-edge geospatial data and models, offering insights into data-driven decision-making across various sectors. He also provided invaluable feedback to the IRS students on refining their research endeavours.
Following the workshop, there was an outcome-based education curriculum development meeting convened by the IRS. This curriculum, now adopted by Jahangirnagar University, enables faster sharing of technologies, tools, and approaches by regional learning networks.
Recently, the IRS called for admissions for its fourth batch of students since its inception in 2021. This milestone highlights the partnership between the IRS and SERVIR-HKH in nurturing talent and fostering innovation in the field of remote sensing and geoinformation.
Citing the tangible benefits it derived from collaborating with SERVIR-HKH, the IRS now lays emphasis on the transformative potential of partnership programmes. It demonstrates that such synergy between institutions not only enriches academic discourse but also paves the way for impactful contributions to societal and environmental resilience.
Backed by the success of this collaborative endeavour, while the IRS is steadfast in its mission of upholding excellence in education and research, ICIMOD’s SERVIR-HKH initiative is progressing well in its aim to shepherd more such institution-building projects. This is one success story that lays the ground for more.
Bangladesh is predominantly an agrarian country, with two-thirds of its labour force employed in the agriculture sector. The sector’s contribution constitutes one-third of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while its products account for 32 per cent of the country’s exports.
Given this context, the country’s Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) has been according priority to the precise monitoring and estimation of crop area and yield to determine the national and local food demand and supply balance and to gauge social security. In doing so, the major focus has been on effectively utilising satellite remote-sensing (RS) methods in crop mapping, monitoring, and flood and drought risk management. Thus, since 2022, the DAE has been receiving support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in adopting the methodologies developed by SERVIR-HKH and the NASA Applied Sciences Team (AST) on field data collection and in-season crop area mapping.
This collaboration received a fillip on 25 March 2024 when the DAE and ICIMOD signed a letter of intent (LoI) on establishing an Earth observation (EO) system in the country for crop mapping, monitoring, and risk management (in the areas of flood and drought). This agreement is being seen as a gamechanger, one that will have a remarkable effect on strengthening Bangladesh’s agricultural resilience and risk management capability. Especially so, since World Bank researchers predict that by 2035–2044, the country may see around 6–12 million more people impacted by extreme floods, which amounts to a 40 per cent surge in the population exposed to river floods. And if there happens to be a repeat of the 2004 Dhaka flood levels, the prediction for the 2050s is that the cost of the damages may rise by USD 23 million, assuming present-day infrastructure and economic values.
As for drought, the World Bank’s assessment is that the probability of agricultural drought in Bangladesh will persist at heightened levels between 2041 and 2060, in comparison to the baseline period between 1995 and 2014. Moreover, in a recent survey, the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that around 40 million people in Bangladesh, constituting 24 per cent of its population, were food insecure and that the trend has been rising since May this year.
Given these challenges, the fact that the DAE’s partnership with ICIMOD is set to equip the department’s staff with knowledge on cutting-edge Geospatial Information System (GIS) and RS technologies, will help them carry out comprehensive crop monitoring, planning, and climate risk management. By leveraging advanced RS platforms and innovative application tools, they will also be able to conduct precise crop damage assessments. Moreover, the partnership will ensure the timely availability of crucial information on major crop areas and drought- and flood-related risks, thereby enabling informed agricultural planning and policy formulation. And when seen in the larger context of escalating climate challenges, DAE’s partnership promises to bolster Bangladesh’s agricultural resilience and preparedness.
Following ICIMOD’s three training stints for the DAE staff on the use of EO and RS technologies in agricultural mapping, a series of pre- and post-training surveys were conducted to assess the levels of knowledge and confidence of the participants, as well as to get feedback on their overall experience.
It was found that the training programmes had a positive impact on the trainees’ knowledge and technical skills. Prior to the training, self-assessment results had revealed that only 9 per cent of the participants had advanced knowledge in the subject; 22 per cent put themselves in the intermediate level; 30 per cent said that they had basic knowhow about the subject; while 39 per cent said that they knew nothing about it.
But the post-training assessments showed a different picture: 31 per cent had achieved advanced knowledge; and 41 per cent had reached the intermediate level. A substantial shift indeed from a large percentage of the trainees having basic or no knowledge about the subject.
* Please note that the respondents to the pre-assessments numbered 40 and to the post-assessments numbered 28.
As for technical skills, the pre-training evaluations had indicated that 40 per cent of the participants had no confidence in their skills, while 30 per cent had low confidence in using tools like the GeoFairy mobile app and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform for crop mapping. Following the training, a notable improvement was registered, with 32 per cent of the participants expressing high confidence in their technical skills. Overall, there was an 18 per cent and 37 per cent shift from low confidence and no confidence to moderate and high confidence levels, respectively – a clear indication of the training’s effectiveness in instilling technical proficiency among most of the participants.
World Bank. (2024). Climate Risk Country Profile: Bangladesh. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/sites/default/files/country-profiles/16813-WB_Bangladesh%20Country%20Profile-WEB.pdf
World Food Programme. (2023). Bangladesh: Food Security Monitoring. https://reliefweb.int/attachments/1684ef0b-684a-484c-bdfa-0153d1f646c2/BGD_mVAM_May%20June%20July%20August_2023_final%20%281%29.pdf
Viewing disaster risk reduction through a GEDSI lens: actions and tools to make DRR accessible and inclusive to all
Imagine waking up to a blaring siren that signals an impending flood threatening your village and a downpour that shows no sign of stopping. The once calm river near your village has transformed into a raging torrent flowing uncontrollably over its banks. Panic sets in as you scramble to gather your essential belongings and make a run to evacuate to higher ground.
You struggle through the flooded streets among many others and see parents clutching their children’s hands tightly, trying to stay together amidst the chaos. The goal is to reach a rescue shelter located at higher ground, surviving the stampede of villagers desperately trying to escape.
Now, imagine being in this terrifying scenario as a person living with disability. The early warning sirens are inaudible to those who are hard of hearing and running for your life towards the rescue shelter through ravaged land is next to impossible for a person with mobility impairments. And, even if you are able to evacuate, the shelters lack infrastructure – such as ramps for wheelchair users, and a lack of clean water and proper sanitation increases health risks.
This is the reality for many people with disabilities living along lower Koshi river basin in eastern Nepal. As a hotspot for hazards within the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, Nepal faces the dual threat of ‘too much and too little’ (TMTL) water issues, commonly seen and experienced as floods and chronic water shortage. This is especially the case for settlements along the lower Koshi river basin from Koshi province to Madesh province.
In Nepal, 2.2% of the total population live with disabilities, facing unique challenges in their daily lives that are magnified by the country’s vulnerability to disasters. During disaster situations, people with disabilities may become separated from their caregivers during evacuation, or whilst at the shelter. As many people with disabilities are more dependent on caregivers, due to their understanding, or mobility or sensory needs, this increases their vulnerability. Some emergency shelters are constructed rapidly, in an irregular manner, without adequate management. This has led to increased occurrences of gender-based violence in the shelters, where people with disabilities, and especially women with disabilities (47% of the 2.2%) are placed in even more precarious and vulnerable situations. In addition, their marginalised status in society – due to gender norms and financial status – exacerbates their lack of access to resources and support.
A crucial step to address the needs of women and people with disabilities is to incorporate their specific requirements into the local government’s budgeting processes. ‘Gender Responsive Budgeting’ (GRB) is a budgeting tool which aims to address inequality by integrating equity into disaster planning, allocating funds to reach those most impacted.
Although the GRB process, which was introduced in Nepal in 2007/8, is mandated by the national government, it is yet to be implemented by all municipalities within the country. Particularly in rural Nepal, there is a misconception that this budget is solely for women’s needs. However, this is not the case.
ICIMOD’s ‘Building Capabilities for Green, Climate Resilient, and Inclusive Development’ (HI-GRID) project, supported by Australian Aid, works in Nepal’s Lower Koshi River Basin to implement the GRB process by building the local government’s capacity. The project emphasises that the budget is not only a ‘women’s budget’ but should be applied using a Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) lens. The HI-GRID project has committed to supporting five selected municipalities and rural municipalities to incorporate GRB into their budgets by the end of the project’s tenure in 2026.
HI-GRID has been working with the local government since the project’s inception in 2022. During this time, a concerning observation has been the lack of representation of people with disabilities within the local government workforce. The few individuals with disabilities employed in these municipalities do not hold decision-making positions, rendering their voices unheard. In a society where most leadership and decision-making positions are not held by women, people with disabilities face an even greater uphill battle for inclusion and representation.
So, a crucial question arises – how can the project incorporate the needs of people with disabilities in our plans when we do not have a clear picture of what they need?
In order to understand the tailored needs of all vulnerable groups in the basin, especially the needs of people with disabilities, on 15–16 April 2024, the HI-GRID project organised a workshop at ICIMOD in Kathmandu, entitled ‘Inclusive Disaster Resilience: Amplifying Voices of People with Disabilities’. Due to a number of challenges in involving people with disabilities in research, in a context of broader marginalisation for these groups in Nepal and the region, this was the first time that such a workshop had been held at ICIMOD.
The workshop benefitted from a rich mix of perspectives from the 36 participants, with experts, advocates and representatives from the disability community, including queer disability groups.
This event provided a platform for the participants to express their needs and share their lived experiences during disasters, with specific details about the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, and the Covid-19 pandemic. It also gave the project team an opportunity to understand what the needs of people with diverse disabilities may be during water-related hazards. We found that a multi-pronged approach is imperative.
Crucially, early warning systems, emergency shelters and evacuation plans need to be accessible and inclusive to all. Jamuna Subedi, a workshop participant, suggested that, in addition to the sirens that are generally used to signal an impending flood, flashing lights could be used to accompany the sirens, much like on an ambulance, in order for people with hearing impairments to be aware of the warning.
Relief efforts must prioritise safety equitably. Participants urged that shelters need to be equipped with essential facilities, and infrastructure such as ramps for wheelchair access. Aditya Rai, a participant representing the queer disability community, emphasised the importance of segregated accommodation to cater to the diverse needs of individuals with various types of disabilities, genders and identities. Aditya shared personal experiences from the 2015 earthquake rescue shelters, where the community faced challenges related to accommodation, care packages, and access to sanitation facilities that failed to consider their specific requirements.
Additionally, educational materials including announcements and information about disasters, disaster response training sessions and evacuation plans need to be made accessible. This means producing the materials in audio, braille, sign-language interpretation and in local languages.
Representatives of the community must be involved in decision-making processes, and awareness about disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DIDRR) must be increased among disaster management workers, planners, local leaders, persons with disabilities, and their families. DRR policies that are already in place need to be revised through a GEDSI lens.
By adopting an inclusive approach that recognises the diverse needs of all community members, particularly those with disabilities, DRR efforts can better ensure the safety, wellbeing, and resilience of vulnerable populations during and after disasters.
Climate change and biodiversity loss – two of the alarming elements making up the triple planetary crisis – are severely challenging the progress towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals by the first half of this century. And mountain ecosystems, like those of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), are perhaps the most vulnerable to these two debilitating factors. That said, while climate change and biodiversity loss are recognised as interconnected, our understanding of this connectedness in the HKH has not been getting the desired traction which is required for effective adaptation and resilience measures.
Acting upon this lacuna and on the priority areas identified by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in its Strategy: Moving Mountains (2023–2030), an international conference on ‘Mountain Ecosystems: Biodiversity and Adaptations under Climate Change Scenarios’ was jointly conceptualised, planned, and organised at the Graphic Era University, Dehradun, India, from 22–24 March 2023 by the university and ICIMOD. The main objectives of the conference were to strengthen knowledge on the state of biodiversity under the prevailing climate change scenarios; undertake adaptative actions through bioprospecting of mountain-niche products; and develop technology and policy support. The conference was attended by about 40 leading global experts working in the remote mountain ecosystems of the HKH, Antarctica, and Andes who went on to present their research findings.
The conference witnessed a wide range of compelling presentations of which the diversity of microbial communities in the mountains garnered particular attention. More so because the knowledge on microbial communities in the high mountain areas are rather sporadic and limited. The variations in the microbial communities along the Teesta River in the HKH, the microbial diversity of Antarctica, and the influence of geothermal and glaciated ecosystems in the Andes sparked great interest at the conference. The other issues that caught attention were the socio-economic and development challenges posed by climate change in the mountain ecosystems, particularly of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), and the need for citizen-centric innovations. Notably, presentations were also made about the success stories of cultivars’ contribution to livelihood and food security, and of the conservation strategies and sustainable utilisation of Himalayan-niche products for livelihood security.
Following up on the overwhelming responses to these topics, the organisers approached the Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute for Himalayan Environment (NIHE), based in Almora (Uttarakhand, India), to commission a special issue of the Envis Bulletin – a reputed open-access publication on Himalayan ecology supported by the Government of India – on the conference themes.
Thus, the bulletin’s 31st volume, of which I was a guest editor, carried 25 articles culled from the conference. These have been clustered into two broad areas: bioprospecting in mountain ecosystems; and Himalayan environment and ecology. The first cluster of 19 articles begins with an opinion paper that clubs the phenomenon of climate into two distinct categories – ‘natural’ (involving long-term weather patterns) and ‘social’ (involving global meta trends). This is followed by a piece that calls for urgent action – by governments, the private sector, research institutions, civil societies, and communities – to save the global asset that is the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Another important article is on the relevance of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which describes both its achievements as well as its failures. Then there are essays on the trends, patterns, impacts, and community responses to climate change in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
The second cluster consists of six articles on the Himalayan environment and ecology wherein issues like water quality, air pollution, and the economic viability of soya bean cultivation are addressed in great detail.
To sum up, both the conference and the special issue featuring the insights of multidisciplinary researchers can be considered timely and relevant in terms of drawing strong attention to the seminal problem of fragile mountain ecosystems. They are also steps in the process of enriching knowledge on environmental conditions, adaptation options, and bioprospecting, and provide crucial learning opportunities to researchers across the globe.
Climate change has profoundly affected global ecosystems – both terrestrial and aquatic – and also the highly vulnerable indigenous people, resulting in economic and livelihood losses, biodiversity depletion, and shifts in cultural practices. It is in such a grim scenario that the significance of nature-based solutions (NbS), or ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), comes into play. Such solutions offer ways to mitigate risks to ecosystems and people, as highlighted in the IPCC AR6 Technical Report.
Recently, in September 2023, in a bid to explore the various dimensions of EbA (the Indian government officially uses the term EbA instead of NbA), a multi-stakeholder meeting was held in Almora, India, under the auspices of the Himalayan Resilience Enabling Action Programme (HI-REAP), supported by the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The event was organised by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), and the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
The event’s objective was to facilitate a shared understanding and rethink around EbA practices in the areas of water, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). It brought together experts and stakeholders engaged in the spheres of sustainable land and water resource management, ecosystem services management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Above all, what was underscored at the meeting was the need for institutions to collaborate in a consultative process tailored to meet the unique challenges of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR).
In the IHR, the age-old challenge of water management has taken on a new dimension as climate change and human activities have been taking a toll on its delicate ecosystems. A recent study on EbA to address the grave issue of water insecurities in the IHR revealed a dual focus on traditional practices and modern interventions.
At the multi-stakeholder Almora gathering, the experts called for a departure from conventional strategies to tackle the water crisis. They advocated for harnessing the knowledge embedded in traditional water collection methods and for the preservation of natural springs, which, in fact, are drying up rather rapidly in the IHR.
As regards general EbA measures, the specialists pointed to the efficient use of raw materials and the need for overall waste reduction. They also stated that the involvement of women and the indigenous communities are vital for the success of EbA initiatives. In the Indian context, it was pointed out that despite the absence of a national-level decision-making process for EbA, some measures like the MoEF&CC’s Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) did embody EbA principles.
The mountains of the Himalaya serve not just as a picturesque backdrop but also as a cradle for livelihoods deeply intertwined with the ecosystem. At the meeting, the experts, while dwelling on the pursuit of sustainable practices, focused on the coexistence of traditional and modern solutions. Traditional agricultural practices, deeply rooted in the understanding of local ecosystems, were recognised as quintessentially EbA, while the cultivation of indigenous crops, adoption of agroforestry techniques, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge were cited as vital components of successful EbA for livelihoods. As for the indicators of EbA success, the stakeholders listed raw material efficiency, waste reduction, climate adaptation, preservation and restoration of ecosystems, and sound market linkages. It was also pointed out that while explicit EbA-focused policies were lacking at national, state, and district levels in the IHR, their integration into existing programmes indicated a promising pathway.
In the face of escalating climate-induced disasters, the discussions delved into the role of EbA in disaster risk reduction. Drawing insights from traditional and culture-based solutions, deeply rooted in local practices, the discussions highlighted the efficacy of resilient infrastructure, primitive construction practices, and community-based forest protected areas (PAs). The emphasis was also on a proactive approach to DRR, with the need for measures that transcended reactive responses. Besides, the experts urged for a holistic consideration of ecological factors in DRR strategies in alignment with the principles of EbA.
Conversations were also held around the importance of incorporating ecological aspects into springshed management; the threats to critical water sources were identified as mining, blasting, and earthquakes.
A critical session of the meet was a technical discussion on institutional innovation for cross-sectoral coordination. The session highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to policy pathways, institutional capacities, and financial mobilisation for scaling springshed management. The key outcomes that emerged included proposals for the integration of springshed management into national policies, the establishment of a nodal agency for springs at the state level, formulation of clear springshed management guidelines, and giving due recognition for indigenous knowledge in springshed development programmes. The experts also lay stress on education, capacity building, and the implementation aspect in developing institutional capacities for springshed management. As regards the finances, the call was for financial pathways centred on synergies with funding agencies, government programmes, international sources, the private sector, and local communities; the avenue of crowdfunding too was mooted.
The rethinking of EbA strategies for the IHR is a dynamic process, one which has to blend traditional wisdom with modern interventions, ecological preservation with sustainable livelihood practices, and proactive disaster risk reduction with gender and socially inclusive institutional innovation. It also calls for a better integration of scientific information and proven solutions (list below) to scale up EbA initiatives. At Almora, the collective efforts of the diverse stakeholders in this picturesque yet fragile region signalled a promising step towards a harmonious and resilient future.
The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), spanning eight countries and covering 3,500 km, is a critical global asset, and acutely fragile. The HKH, a source of food, water, and energy security for around 2.1 billion people and home to countless irreplaceable species, is at the frontline of the impacts of the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution – which has serious implications for ecosystems and human life. A global warming level of 2 °C or beyond will result in the loss of half of the HKH’s glaciers and thus destabilise Asia’s river systems, with enormous downstream consequences. There is no better time than now to take corrective action. Engaging with policymakers and enabling informed policymaking can contribute to positive action at a national scale.
Most of the HKH countries follow a parliamentary system of democracy where parliamentarians through standing committees (of upper and lower houses) play a vital role in reviewing policies, making laws, and advising governments on resource allocation for sectoral programmes. But in the context of advancing climate action and resilience, areas where the region’s parliamentarians are expected to make telling interventions, it has often been the case that they lacked access to evidence-based knowledge and information, especially so on emerging and priority issues like climate change, disaster risk reduction measures, biodiversity loss, and air quality determinants. Thus, it has become imperative to purposefully engage with HKH parliamentarians by providing them with essential knowledge and evidence on the triple planetary crisis and its impact on ecosystems, lives, and livelihoods. Parliamentarians are especially placed to mobilise their respective governments to enact national laws, policies, and plans that prioritise mountain issues in alignment with regional and global climate and environmental agreements.
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional intergovernmental organisation working to make this critical region greener, more inclusive, and climate resilient. ICIMOD engages with the most relevant Standing Committee chairs, co-chairs, and active members through learning exchanges and regional parliamentarian meetings and is presently working towards establishing a regular parliamentarian forum for the HKH region. This initiative is being carried out as part of the Regional Data, Networks and Institutions Action Area under the Regional Action and Global Advocacy Strategic Group. Such a process of cross-learning is anticipated to establish a conducive platform for the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge on priority issues, and foster pro-climate, pro-mountain, and pro-environment policies in the HKH countries commensurate with international obligations and commitments.
This initiative will also highlight that migration can be an adaptative strategy, to contribute to inclusive and equitable development. The parliamentarians’ engagement will help shape and implement policies that focus on the specific needs and challenges of the highly vulnerable migrant and immobile residents in the mountain areas. With collective understanding and commitment, the parliamentarians are expected to mould a unified voice for the HKH for increased recognition of and investment in the region at regional and global fora. Recently, a group of Bhutanese parliamentarians visited Nepal as part of a series of learning exchanges which is expected to establish a regular parliamentarian forum for the HKH region.
Exchange visit 1: Bhutanese parliamentarians visit Nepal to understand the drivers of rural outmigration from the mid-hill regions, which has led to land-use change, farmland abandonment, and ultimately, food insecurity in the mountain areas.
Bhutan is facing an accelerated phenomenon of rural–urban and out-country migration, especially of youth from the paddy cultivation areas, leading to farmland abandonment in the country’s mid-hill regions. This rapid outmigration of paddy cultivators led to a drastic 50 percent decline in rice production, which resulted in an acute shortage of this food staple in the country. Consequently, Bhutan’s rice imports rose to 7 billion ngultrums (approximately USD 83 million) in 2019–2022.
Bhutanese MPs on a study mission in Syangja district to understand the causes and impacts of outmigration (left) and meeting Nepali parliamentarians at Singha Durbar in Kathmandu (right).
An eight-member delegation, led by Phuntsho Rapten, the recent Chairperson of the Good Governance Committee (GGC), and consisting of other members of the GGC of the National Council of Bhutan (NCB), the country’s upper house of Parliament, visited Nepal from 25 February–5 March 2024. The purpose of the visit was to observe and understand the major causes and impacts of rural outmigration from the mid-hill regions of Nepal and discuss Nepal government policies, plans, and strategies to manage the challenges of such outmigration. The delegation gained insights into the drivers and regulations around rural outmigration, ‘ghost villages’, farmland abandonment, and reduced production and increased imports in the mountain areas of Nepal through in-person interactions with local communities and officials at five villages in the three hill districts of Syangja, Lamjung, and Sindhupalchowk. They also exchanged lessons learned about fallow agricultural land with Nepali legislators and policymakers at local to national levels.
The GGC members, based on their experiences and lessons learned from Nepal, went on to conduct a comprehensive survey of the migration hotspots in Bhutan, and recorded and analysed the key factors and actors in rural outmigration. The MPs presented their recommendations to the NCB during its June session. This is anticipated to enable precise deliberations around the identified issues and open doors for informed policymaking to address the increasing trend of rural outmigration from the paddy areas of Bhutan – a trend, which if unmanaged, can expose the country to all the dire consequences of farmland abandonment, including reduced production and growing dependence of mountain countries and communities on global food supply chains.