Experts from various countries have stressed on the need to enhance greater understanding of the effects of climate change so as to mitigate it adverse impacts in the Himalayas.

Speaking at a panel discussion on the “The Role of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) Mountain System in the Context of a Changing climate” organised by the International Centre for Integrate Mountain Development (ICIMOD) in the capital Friday, they highlighted critical issues in addressing the adverse impact of climate change and suggested possible actions needed to adapt to and mitigate such challenges.

Deterioration of environmental quality, loss of biodiversity, and shortage of water, and the socioeconomic and environmental consequences for livelihoods, poverty, and food security in the Hindu Kush region were other key issues discussed by the experts at the discussion programme.

Similarly, the possible role of ICIMOD in enhancing adaptation and building the resilience of mountain communities in the HKH region was also discussed at the programme.

Dr Pitamber Sharma, vice-chairman of National Planning Commission (NPC), chaired the discussion.

The seven panelists who discussed the key issues and challenges faced by the region with the participants at the programme were Dr Pema Gyamtsho, Minister for Agriculture, Royal government of Bhutan; Prof Sun Honglie, former vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Prof A.N. Purohit, former vice-chancellor of H.N.B. Garhwal University, India; Dipak Gyawali, former Minister for water Resources, Government of Nepal; Dr. Amir Muhammed, former Federal Minister of Agricultural Research, Government of Pakistan; Dr. Christoph Beier, Direcvtor Asia and Latin America, GTZ; and Prof Bruno Messerli, former chairman of the Board of Trustees of the International Foundation of Science.

ICIMOD organised this panel discussion to mark the occasion of its 25th Anniversary in order help raise awareness of the effects of climate change in the Himalayas and the implications for