ICIMOD holds consultation workshop on standardizing cryosphere monitoring in Pakistan
Islamabad : Around 25 experts and representatives from across Pakistan gathered for a consultation workshop on developing standardized guidelines for cryosphere monitoring in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region here on Thursday.
The International Center for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) organized a meeting marked a significant step towards establishing consistent methodologies and protocols for monitoring glaciers, snow, and permafrost in the HKH region, a news release said.
Cryosphere Specialist at ICIMOD, Sher Muhammad emphasized the significance of the workshop, underscoring the need for standardized cryosphere monitoring methodologies to ensure consistency in data collection.
“This is not just about research; it’s about ensuring reliable data that can inform decision-making and help us better understand cryosphere changes and their downstream impacts.”
Dr. Arun Shrestha, Strategic Group Lead for Managing Climate and Environmental Risks at ICIMOD, discussed the organization’s initiatives and its longstanding involvement in Pakistan.
He emphasized how ICIMOD has shifted its approach, stepping back to enable regional member countries to take the lead in cryosphere monitoring, while ICIMOD focuses on providing capacity-building support and other critical assistance to its partners.
Mr. Arif Goheer, newly appointed Executive Director of the Global Climate Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC).
Reflecting on the long-standing collaboration between ICIMOD and GCISC, Mr. Goheer highlighted the importance of building on past achievements to further strengthen cryosphere research capacity in Pakistan. “Our collaboration began with glacier monitoring in 2018 and capacity-building in 2019, and I’m pleased to say that our partnership has only grown stronger. Today’s consultation is another step in this journey.”
Following the opening remarks, the workshop officially began its main agenda: reviewing the draft guideline for a standardized cryosphere monitoring approach in the HKH region. Participants from institutions such as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Karakoram International University (KIU), National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), and others actively engaged in discussions to provide feedback on the draft.
Key Objectives of the Consultation Workshop
1. Exchange knowledge and experiences on existing methodologies and the status of cryosphere monitoring in Pakistan.
2. Improve understanding of the use of standardized guidelines in cryosphere research.
3. Jointly review standardized methodologies to ensure they meet the specific needs of Pakistan’s cryosphere research efforts.
Despite the immense contributions of the cryosphere to global water resources, monitoring efforts in the HKH region remain limited and inconsistent. Long-term monitoring of glaciers, snow, and permafrost is sparse, particularly in regions like the Karakoram, where harsh conditions make data collection challenging. This inconsistency affects the reliability of data, making it difficult for researchers and policymakers to understand trends and plan for cryosphere-related hazards such as avalanches, landslides, and meltwater fluctuations.
As Sher Muhammad pointed out, “Our goal today is to address these gaps by developing standardized methodologies that improve data accuracy and support long-term monitoring. The region’s vast cryosphere is changing rapidly due to climate change, and without accurate data, we can’t fully grasp the magnitude or pace of these changes.”
Expected Outcomes
1. Agreement on the development of standardized methodologies tailored to the specific needs of cryosphere research in Pakistan.
2. Strengthened collaboration among key institutions to facilitate coordinated cryosphere monitoring efforts.
3. A pathway for long-term monitoring initiatives to track cryosphere changes, understand their drivers, and evaluate downstream impacts.
Sher Muhammad expressed his gratitude and mentioned that “We look forward to your insights, which will help us create guidelines that are not only scientifically robust but also practical for researchers working in the field.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and collaboration, the participants departed with the promise of ongoing consultations and a shared commitment to advancing cryosphere monitoring in the HKH region.
