The Nepal Weekly 
March 25, 2025
On this first-ever World Glacier Day (March 21), 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.
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 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.
Save Our Snow 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.
