A United Call for Glacier Preservation

On this first-ever World Glacier Day, we are reminded of an undeniable reality: the glaciers of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region—our planet’s “Third Pole”—are melting at an alarming rate. This is not just a crisis for the mountains; it is a crisis for humanity. The melting glaciers threaten water security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of over two billion people who depend on them including those who live in the densely populated downstream river basins.

As we mark both World Glacier Day and World Water Day under the aligned theme of “Glacier Preservation,” we must recognize that glaciers and rivers are inextricably linked. They sustain life, shape ecosystems, and hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for mountain communities. And yet, these vital systems are gravely endangered by the consequences of our own actions.

A Call from the Mountains

Mountain communities in the HKH region are witnessing the stark and immediate impacts of climate change. Once snow-covered peaks now lie bare. Unseasonal snowfall disrupts agricultural cycles. The looming threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) grows with each passing year, threatening lives and livelihoods. Downstream, people face increasing risks from intense floods, landslides, and water scarcity. One disaster alone can erase decades of progress. If there is a battle cry from our region, it is this: the urgency to reduce global temperatures has never been greater.

The HKH region is home to over 54,000 glaciers, accounting for 9% of the world’s total glaciers. These glaciers are a critical source of water for nearly two billion people, sustaining agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower. However, recent studies show a 65% increase in glacier mass loss from 2010–2019, as compared to the previous decade.

Despite the scale of this crisis, our understanding of glacier dynamics remains incomplete. Only 38 glaciers in the HKH are monitored in situ, leaving us with limited ability to predict changes and prepare adaptation strategies. This is unacceptable. We must expand glacier monitoring, enhance data-sharing efforts, and improve access to high-resolution satellite imagery to refine our climate policies and responses.

International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation

As we approach the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP) 2025, we must seize this opportunity to amplify our efforts. The United Nations has designated this year to raise awareness of the vital role glaciers play in our climate system and water security.

ICIMOD is committed to supporting IYGP 2025 through Research and Monitoring, Policy Support, Capacity Building, Public Awareness.

ICIMOD’s #SaveOurSnow Campaign

Launched on May 29, 2023, the #SaveOurSnow campaign unites mountain communities, athletes, and scientists to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action to protect the HKH region’s glaciers. This initiative highlights the critical role of the cryosphere in regulating water resources, supporting biodiversity, and maintaining livelihoods.

Strategic Actions to Mitigate Glacier Retreat

To safeguard our glaciers and water resources, we must take decisive action:

• Strengthen Climate Policies: Advocate for and implement robust climate policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
• Enhance Regional Research and Monitoring: Invest in comprehensive research and systematic monitoring of glaciers in the region, to inform policy decisions and adaptation strategies.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage sustainable land-use and water management practices to reduce stress on glacial ecosystems.
• Foster Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional collaboration for transboundary water management and disaster risk reduction related to glacial hazards.
• Engage Communities: Empower local communities through education and capacity-building to participate actively in conservation and adaptation efforts.

The Time to Act is Now

The rapid retreat of glaciers in the HKH poses a direct threat to water security, biodiversity, and human well-being. Preserving glaciers is not just an environmental imperative—it is a socio-economic necessity.

On this World Glacier Day and World Water Day, we reaffirm our commitment to glacier preservation. This means advocating for stronger climate policies, increasing investment in glaciology research, and integrating cryosphere science into national and international climate strategies.

I urge governments, scientists, businesses, and civil society to stand together. This crisis is not inevitable, and solutions exist. Let us unite to slow glacier retreat, build climate resilience, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

The time to act is not tomorrow—it is now.