The challenge
Glaciology refers to the scientific study of glaciers, which is an interdisciplinary earth science that integrates geophysics, geology, physical geography, geomorphology, climatology, meteorology, hydrology, biology, and ecology. Mountains are highly vulnerable regions to climate change as they experience rapid changes in temperature. Climate change in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) threatens social and economic development due to its dependency on climate sensitive sectors and natural resources.
For a better understanding of the linkage between the Himalayan ecosystem and climate factors the Indian Government launched the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) with a focus on capacity building.
Our approach and interventions
The Swiss supported project “Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation” (IHCAP, 2012-19) aimed at strengthening climate science and capacities for climate change adaptation planning in IHR.
- Primarily the training programme aimed at enhancing scientific capacities of Indian researchers to monitor glaciers and assess the impacts of climate change on the cryosphere in downstream regions
- 51 researchers from India were trained between 2013 and 2015 through a combination of classroom trainings and field visits
- A glaciology curriculum consisting of 19 modules was elaborated
- In the second project phase the course was out-scaled involving all 12 Himalayan states and the curriculum was institutionalized in Kashmir University and Delhi University
- Further trainings were shaped for staff of the State Climate changes Cells staff under NMSHA
- Multiple media workshops were organized in all 12 Himalayan States reaching out to 337 media personnel and 12 fellowships were provided to journalists improving reporting on climate change
- In total, 1’523 State government officials and representatives of civil society organizations, academic and research institutions in 12 Himalayan states participated in trainings under the IHCAP project
Collaboration with key partners
The capacity building project was implemented in close collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) as implementing agency for the National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). Further key partners were the Himalayan State Governments, MoEFCC and NITI Aayog.
The technical support was provided through the expertise of the University of Geneva, University of Fribourg and ICIMOD. The courses on Himalayan Glaciology were conducted in collaboration with the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Later the curriculum was institutionalized in Kashmir University and Delhi University.
