The meeting will be attended by representatives from ICIMOD’s key partners in cryosphere monitoring in the two countries. In Nepal, ICIMOD works closely with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM), the Water and Energy Commission (WECS), Tribhuvan University (TU), and Kathmandu University (KU). In Bhutan, the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology is the key partner.

This is the first time ICIMOD is bringing implementing partners from Nepal and Bhutan together to share experiences in cryosphere monitoring in their respective countries.

Background

ICIMOD’s Cryosphere Initiative along with its implementing partners has established a Cryosphere Monitoring Programme (CMP) for the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), with support from the Government of Norway. The CMP’s long-term objective is to form under its aegis sustainable, long-term monitoring programmes for each of ICIMOD’s regional member countries. It also aims to improve regional knowledge and understanding of the cryosphere’s water resources, cryosphere-related disaster risks, and scenarios for future water availability, using an integrated approach of field measurements, remote sensing, and modelling as a collaborative effort between the regional partners. The CMP is enhancing the capacity of institutions in ICIMOD’s regional member countries to co-produce and share relevant data, experiences, and knowledge about the cryosphere. The work will contribute to the development of effective measures and policies for water resources and risk management in the HKH.