TOO MUCH TOO LITTLE

IN ASIA’S MOUNTAIN REGIONS

WATER

The feasibility study concludes that time is limited in terms of copin g with dramatic challenges to livelihoods in the region. A cross-boundar y collaborative programme needs to prioritise and focus on adaptation already by 2011–2015. Strengthening and developing national and cross-boundary adaptation strategies to too much and too little water is urgent, particularly with regard to floods, drought and subsequent food security.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded a feasibil- ity study during 2007–2009 entitled Hindu Kush-Himalayas Climate Impact Assessment (HICIA). The pilot study inves- tigated the feasibility and need for establishing a programme on adaptation and assessment of climate change in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas given scientific, institutional and political challenges in the region. The study was led by the Center for International Climate and Environmental Research-Oslo (CI- CERO), UNEP/GRID-Arendal and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

The project has revealed great need for improved coordina- tion and evolvement of adaptation strategies to too much and too little water in the region. The pilot study has successfully relied on the approach of building and strengthening exist- ing approved channels of collaboration between Nepal, India, People’s Republic of China and Pakistan through ICIMOD and fieldwork was conducted in all countries involving 12 key institutions.

The study furthermore concludes that the institutional, scien- tific and technical capacity in the region is diverse, but deemed as sufficient for undertaking a large scale assessment, pend-

ing support and cooperation with a community of interna- tional scientific experts and institutions. The study has also ascertained that it is politically feasible to conduct a large scale study in the Greater Himalayan Region with ICIMOD as a le- gitimate and well recognized hub and coordinator of activities in the region in collaboration with relevant international ex- pertise and the UN.

MIO CADE PHOTOGRAPHY