It is with profound respect and a deep sense of loss that we commemorate the life and legacy of Professor Jack D. Ives, who passed away on 15 September 2024. A pioneering geographer, geomorphologist and visionary scholar, Professor Ives dedicated his career to bringing global attention to the challenges faced by mountain regions, particularly the Himalayas: and it is hard to overstate the role he played in shaping the discourse on mountain development, and in the birth of ICIMOD itself.
Professor Ives's name is synonymous with mountain research, and he was instrumental in shifting the global discourse around mountains from one of mere exploration to one of sustainability, resilience, and conservation. One of his most influential works, The Himalayan Dilemma: Reconciling Development and Conservation (1989), co-authored with Bruno Messerli, remains a seminal text in the field of mountain studies. This book addressed alarmist reports that claimed the Himalayan region was on the verge of ecological collapse due to deforestation, erosion, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Ives and Messerli challenged this reductive, predominant narrative, with evidence of the more complex socio-economic, political, and environmental forces at play in the Himalayas.
Professor Ives accumulated many accolades in his illustrious career, including recognition from the UNEP Global 500 Award for his environmental achievements and the King Albert I Memorial Medal for his contributions to the development of mountain regions. His work with UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) further solidified his reputation as a global leader in mountain research and conservation.
Ives’s work through the MAB Programme and his chairing of its International Working Group not only contributed to the founding of ICIMOD but also advanced global understanding of the importance of integrating ecological, economic, and social considerations in mountain development. Ives envisioned an institution that would serve as a regional hub for research, knowledge sharing, and policy development focused specifically on mountain environments. He believed that such an institution would foster collaboration between the countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya region, helping them address shared challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable livelihoods.
As we reflect on his life, we remember Ives, not only for his intellectual contributions, but also for his warmth and generosity, and his commitment to the advancement of the careers of young researchers. His ability to inspire and engage with people from all walks of life, from local communities in mountain regions to policymakers and fellow academics, was truly exceptional. His tireless efforts laid the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for the Hindu Kush Himalaya and beyond.
At ICIMOD, we owe much of our foundation to Professor Ives' vision and leadership. His belief in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing across borders remains at the heart of our work today. His passing is a tremendous loss to the global mountain community, but his legacy endures in the ongoing work of ICIMOD and among his wide network of colleagues and friends. We will always remember him as a pioneer, mentor, and friend.
