Writeshop on cryosphere–society linkages synthesis paper

About the writeshop

We are organizing this writeshop to discuss and revise the synthesized findings of case studies – presented in a synthesis paper – on cryosphere–society linkages in Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

We conducted the case studies along with our partners in six sites across five countries following a common methodology to understand cryosphere–society linkages from 2019 to 2021. The study sites include Paro (Bhutan), Ladakh and Sikkim (India), Langtang (Nepal), Gilgit-Baltistan (Pakistan), and Gansu (China).

Background

Cryosphere contributions are vital for the functioning of life and livelihoods of people in high-mountain areas, particularly those living in the vicinity of snow, ice, and glaciers. Apart from cryosphere changes, mountain communities are also facing other socioeconomic changes such as increased connectedness and a shift from subsistence to a market-based economy. These changes have created both positive and negative effects on the livelihoods of mountain communities. However, there is limited understanding of cryosphere-society interlinkages.

A better understanding of these cryosphere changes and their effect on the livelihoods of the community is imperative to build the resilience of mountain communities to future risks and for sustainable livelihoods.

Agenda