Despite decades of research on mountain development and the cryosphere, knowledge building and its applications have often followed independent, if parallel, tracks. It has become increasingly apparent that an alternative framework may be needed that acknowledges the plurality, interactivity, intersectionality, and co-production in the cryosphere and of the communities in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). 

In this forum, the intent is to build on the key findings and recommendations of the Cryosphere Chapter of the 2019 Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, addressing how they are related to the cryosphere’s contributions and their sustainability in the HKH region. Consequently, the aim is to establish a better understanding of the framework of cryosphere services that provide a link between the cryosphere and people in the high mountain communities and downstream. Key scientists from the region, the international scientific community, different user groups and decision makers are invited to come together and establish a dialogue about the cryosphere and its role.

This international forum will facilitate discussions on the emerging and evolving topic of cryosphere contributions, what it means in the HKH context, what research is developing in the space, and pathways towards increasing the resilience of HKH communities.

Objectives

• Provide insight from the latest cutting-edge research on the cryosphere and its intersection with societies of the HKH

• Explore the relevance of the framework of cryosphere contributions in the HKH

• Assess how ongoing climate and cryosphere changes affect society, including High Mountain, indigenous, and marginalized communities, and thereby enhancing resilience

• Create a space for networking and exchanging knowledge that spotlights youth and early-career researchers’ exceptional projects in this intersectional field

• Establish experts who will amplify the voice of the HKH by producing a series of clear guidelines and directed statements from the HKH research community to decision makers, clarifying the most significant concerns and necessary measures to address these 

• Identify the knowledge gaps and areas for future work

For further information or details of the program, please visit the website or contact Sam Inglis cryoforum@icimod.org