Initiative goal

Improved understanding of the impact of climate and related changes in the cryospheric and cryo-hydrological regimes, leading to better adaptation strategies

Regional Programme

River Basins and Cryosphere

Arun Bhakta Shrestha

Arun Bhakta Shrestha arrow

Strategic Group Lead,           SG-1: Reducing Climate and Environment Risks

Our focus

Enhancing community resilience in the Indus basin

Improved water resource management in mountain areas is essential for the sustainable development of the region and downstream countries. We seek to increase understanding of water resources-related issues in the basin.

The mighty Indus River is a lifeline for the 268 million people who inhabit the river basin, which includes parts of Afghanistan, China, India, and Pakistan. The basin is composed of mountainous areas of the Hindu Kush, Karakoram, and Himalaya. The Indus River is a major source of water for drinking, household use, irrigation, and energy production in the region. Despite its critical role in sustaining life in the basin, the state of knowledge on the Indus remains far from adequate. Knowledge of key aspects of the river, and information on the effects of climate change on regional rainfall patterns and water balance and snow cover are either confined to academic circles or exist in scattered forms.

Realizing this, we started the Indus Basin Initiative in 2013 with the goal of improving understanding of climate change, cryosphere, and water resources and strengthening networks for developing water- and hazard-management solutions in the Indus basin. We work to generate and share knowledge of water–energy–food issues and to build climate resilience in the four basin countries. We also carry out dialogue and advocacy to promote regional cooperation in the HKH.

Outcomes

Actionable proposals for integrated water resource management practices and policies; improved water, food, and energy security; and multi-sectoral collaboration on common challenges

Geo coverage

Afghanistan, China, India, and Pakistan

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Indus Knowledge Partnership Platform

Indus Knowledge Partnership Platform

The Indus Knowledge Partnership Platform (IKPP) is a comprehensive repository of existing knowledge on the Indus River basin.

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Indus through a storymap

Learn how climate change is impacting the Indus basin and how we are building resilience against those changes.

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Information

Focus areas

The Initiative conducts research and exchanges knowledge on agricultural water and hazard management. It has improved understanding of present and future water availability and use in the basin and improved the resilience of riparian communities in the basin through drought information and early warning about upstream flood situations.

KDKH TWG GLOFs
Scientific knowledge production
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Climate change adaptation
Climate change adaptation
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Gender and social inclusion
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Regional collaboration
Regional collaboration
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News and features

Around the HKH

Events around the HKH

Our involvement

Indus Basin Initiative in media

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HKH

For mountains and people

Community Based Flood Early Warning System

Community Based Flood Early Warning System

CBFEWS is an integrated system of tools and plans managed by and for communities, providing real-time flood warnings to reduce flood risks.

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Water

A fifth of the world’s population depends on rivers that are born in the HKH. Winding for 3,500 kilometres through remote steppes, terraced farmlands, and crowded cities, the 10 largest Asian river systems form ecological communities that are the homes of 210 million people in the mountains and over 1.3 billion people downstream.

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Datasets and science applications

Season Integrated NDVI (productivity) of grasslands in upper Indus basin

The dataset is part of phenometrics produced using time series MODIS 13 Q1 data throught Timesat algorithms.

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Start of Season (SoS) of grasslands in upper Indus basin

The dataset is part of phenometrics produced using time series MODIS 13 Q1 data throught Timesat algorithms.

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Climate change and vulnerability

The mountain climates of the Indus basin are influenced by the broad global circulation patterns associated with latitude, position in the continental mass, and proximity to oceans.

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Vulnerability and adaptation

The Indus basin supports a population of about 268 million people, whose livelihoods are directly or indirectly dependent on it.

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Partners and stakeholders
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Meet the team
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Indus Basin Initiative publications

You will find publications produced or related to this Initiative in HimalDoc, our publications repository. These resources include journal articles, books, book chapters, research reports, working papers, brochures, information sheets, and publicity materials, among other products.

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Related content

Indus Basin Initiative

Read more about our impactful work in the Indus basin.

Country Chapters and Strategic Committee
Country Chapters and Strategic Committee
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Indus Knowledge Partnership Platform
Indus Knowledge Partnership Platform
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Indus Basin Initiative – Media
Indus Basin Initiative – Media
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Indus Basin Initiative – SDIP Achievements and Activities
Indus Basin Initiative – SDIP Achievements and Activities
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Indus Basin Initiative – About SDIP II
Indus Basin Initiative – About SDIP II
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Indus Basin Initiative – Gender Network
Indus Basin Initiative – Gender Network
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Upper Indus Basin Network
Upper Indus Basin Network
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Indus Basin Initiative – Focus Areas
Indus Basin Initiative – Focus Areas
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Indus Basin Initiative – Background
Indus Basin Initiative – Background
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Indus Basin Initiative
Indus Basin Initiative
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