Cryosphere monitoring and research co-ordination in Nepal

Organisers: Tribhuvan University (TU), ICIMOD

About the event

This consultation meeting will bring together key institutions in Nepal working on cryosphere monitoring, analysis, and assessment. During the meeting, ICIMOD will briefly present the new  Strategy 2030 and Medium-Term Action Plan (MTAP) V (2023–2026) and discuss joint work plans to further strengthen collaboration and partnership amongst the relevant institutions engaged in cryosphere observations and analysis in Nepal.

The overreaching goal of this meeting is to build the strong co-ordination among the relevant institutions to lay a solid foundation for tackling present and future cryosphere challenges in Nepal. Drawing wisdom from the past, this collaborative approach may guarantee the sustainability of the cryosphere monitoring and research programme in Nepal. This alliance also aims to advance scientific understanding and safeguard Nepal’s icy legacy for generations to come.

The event is organised by the Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology at Tribhuvan University in collaboration with ICIMOD’s Action Area A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks under Strategic Group 1: Reducing Climate and Environment Risks, supported by the governments of Norway and Switzerland.

Objectives

• Explore scope for cooperation in the area of cryosphere analysis, especially improving co-ordination and capacity of cryosphere work in Nepal
• Share and conduct discussions on ICIMOD’s MTAP V (2023-2026), with focus on AAA/cryosphere and how ICIMOD can support cryosphere-relevant research and capacity enhancement in Nepal

Expected outcomes

• Identified joint areas of cooperation under MTAP V to manage cryosphere and water risks
• Strengthened collaboration with partners for the implementation of activities in Nepal

Participants

This consultation will bring together the following institutions in Nepal actively working on cryosphere monitoring and analysis:

• Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Government of Nepal (DHM)
• Central Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Tribhuvan University (CDHM-TU)
• Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kathmandu University (KU)
• Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)
• International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Agenda for discussion

• Exchange ongoing monitoring/research activities by each organisation
• Resource and data sharing
• Prioritise glaciers for long-term monitoring based on set criteria
• Consider priorities and goals for snow and permafrost measurements
• Organise regular meetings to share activities
• Formulation of co-ordination mechanism

Background

Nepal’s cryosphere research, mainly focused on glaciers, has a long and rich history, primarily driven by the country’s exceptional setting amidst some of the world’s highest peaks and vast glacial cover. Cryosphere observations began in the early 19^th century, initially by mountaineers and explorers. The systematic documentation and scientific observation of glaciers was started in the 1950s. Although Nepal has more than five decades of cryosphere research, the continuous monitoring of glaciers is only fifteen years. Most past monitoring programmes are short and sporadic due to the extreme environment and limited resources.

Agenda

All timings are in Nepal Standard Time (NST)