Why is it in the News?

Experts from The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) called for ‘bold action’ and ‘urgent finance’ to prevent collapse of nature in High Mountain Asia on February 5, 2024, in the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu.

About the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD):

• The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning center dedicated to serving the communities of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
• Established and inaugurated on December 5, 1983, its mission is to generate and share knowledge that informs regional policy and action, attracting investments to facilitate the transition to greener, more inclusive, and climate-resilient development.

Membership and Governance:

• ICIMOD's member countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
  • Its highest governing body is the Board of Governors, composed of representatives from each member country and independent members nominated by the ICIMOD Support Group based on their professional expertise and experience.

Functions and Objectives:

• The center serves the HKH region by generating and sharing information and knowledge to address critical mountain-related challenges.
  • It bridges scientific research with policy formulation and practical on-the-ground implementation.
  • Furthermore, ICIMOD provides a regional platform for experts, planners, policymakers, and practitioners to exchange ideas and perspectives, facilitating sustainable mountain development.
• Headquarters of ICIMOD is in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Key Facts about the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region:

• The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region spans 3,500 km across eight countries, from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east.
• It serves as the source of ten major Asian river systems, including the Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and others.
• The HKH region plays a vital role in providing water, ecosystem services, and livelihoods to the people living within its boundaries.