Cryosphere monitoring and analysis in Pakistan

Jointly organized by
1. International Centre for Integrated Mountains Development (ICIMOD)
Dr. Sher Muhammad, Dr, Sharad Joshi, Dr. Prashant Baral

2. Climate Energy & Water Research Institute (CEWRI) – Pakistan Agriculture Research
Council (PARC)
Dr. Noman Latif

3. National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG), University of Peshawar
Dr. Liaqat Ali, Dr. Muhammad Ali, Dr. Seema Anjum Khattak

The High Mountain Asia region, characterized by glaciers, snow, and permafrost, is a crucial water source for approximately one-fifth of the global population. Effective water resources management and mitigation of cryosphere-related hazards require comprehensive monitoring and understanding of the region cryosphere changes. In this connection, the International Centre for Integrated Mountains Development (ICIMOD) organized a three-day training program in Islamabad, Pakistan from 23 to 25 July 2024, in collaboration with the National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG), University of Peshawar, and Climate Energy & Water Research Institute (CEWRI) – Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC). The training aimed to enhance cryosphere monitoring and analysis, and build the capacity of Pakistani researchers and students from partner institutions and universities to independently monitor and analyse various crucial components of the cryosphere. Specifically, the training aimed to build the capacity of participants to the state-of-the-art tools and approaches for deeper understanding of the various components of the cryosphere and their importance in water resources management, natural hazards and ecosystems. Resource persons from ICIMOD, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Principal Scientific Officer (PARC), GCISC, WAPDA, and Asian Development Bank delivered lectures, presentations and also performed some hands-on-exercise. Participants from various organizations from Pakistan attended the training. These organizations include; PMD, NCEG, Comsats Abbottabad, KIU Gilgit, WAPDA, Baltistan University Skardu, SWC KP, NDMA, PDA KP, AWKU Mardan, National Emergency and Operation Center, and NUST Islamabad.