Pakistan home to 13,032 glaciers, new study reveals
UNDP, Italy boost glacier research and empower Gilgit-Baltistan communities
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark environmental discovery, Pakistan is now known to host 13,032 glaciers, according to a new study presented at a press conference jointly organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Italian research partners EvK2CNR.
This “Glaciers and Students” project underscores Pakistan’s extensive glacial resources and highlights the vital role international collaboration plays in addressing the nation’s environmental challenges.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, hailed the achievement as a “remarkable milestone.”
She noted the study would provide essential data to understand Pakistan’s natural water reserves and climate vulnerabilities. “The contribution of EvK2CNR and UNDP in developing this new glacier inventory demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in tackling the climate crisis,” she said.
Focus on Climate action
Alam also underscored the Pakistani government’s dedication to climate action, glaciological research, ecotourism, and mountain community development.
According to Alam, “Pakistan has long been grappling with climate-triggered disasters that have caused significant loss of life and property.” She highlighted that the regions like Gilgit-Baltistan are especially vulnerable to climate impacts, stressing the need for sustained, international partnerships, including Italian support, to address these urgent issues.
Alam praised Italy’s role, noting that Italian support had been instrumental in strengthening Pakistan’s climate resilience. This collaboration includes a wide array of environmental and socioeconomic projects throughout Pakistan’s mountainous regions, from glacier monitoring to sustainable tourism initiatives.
Italy’s support
The Italian government’s involvement in Pakistan’s environmental research and conservation efforts was highlighted by Marilina Armellini, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan. Armellini emphasised the strong historic ties between the two nations, sharing that Italian support for environmental and development projects in Pakistan has been ongoing for nearly three decades. “We are committed to continue supporting Pakistan in its journey towards sustainable development,” she remarked.
The project, led by the UNDP with local and international partners, illustrates the depth of this collaboration. Samuel Rizk, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Pakistan, provided an overview of the “Glaciers and Students” initiative, noting, “The UNDP is working with partners including AICS and EvK2CNR to mitigate climate impacts on vulnerable communities in Pakistan.”
Local contributions
The study’s success was made possible by the collective efforts of Pakistani and Italian academic and environmental institutions. Experts from EvK2CNR, including Maurizio Gallo and Dr Davide Fugazza, reported the installation of eight Automatic Weather Stations in Gilgit-Baltistan. These stations are essential for monitoring environmental conditions and tracking glacial changes in real time.
The involvement of Karakoram International University, the University of Baltistan, and the Environmental Protection Agency of Gilgit-Baltistan was also instrumental. Notably, the project engaged 171 female students from Gilgit-Baltistan in research activities, fostering local knowledge and capacity-building. Experts highlighted this engagement as a “phenomenal achievement” in promoting local scientific contributions and awareness in glacier conservation.
Future partnerships
In a conclusive statement, Khurshid Alam expressed deep gratitude to the Italian government and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. “The support provided by the Italian government has been invaluable in strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to respond to the climate crisis,” she said, noting hopes for continued support as Pakistan confronts its pressing environmental challenges.
The “Glaciers and Students” project not only adds a significant piece to Pakistan’s environmental database but also exemplifies the critical role of international collaboration in advancing sustainable development.