The Roof of the World is Crumbling: Can We Save the Hindu Kush Himalaya??

 

For hundred of years, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) exists on the map as a large mountain range revered as a natural wonder and a reliable provider of resources. This mountain range spans 3,500 km across eight countries; a true treasure trove of wildlife, an invaluable source of fresh water for millions of people, and a fiercely cherished cultural anchor for thousands of communities. But a recent announcement by a group of leading scientists has sent shock waves through the environmental world: This has placed the HKH on the headlines after reports indicated that the institution is almost on the verge of shutting down.

This isn't hyperbole. More than 130 experts delivered what one participant called Nepal ‘s death knell at a conference of an organization that focuses on preserving this country’s biologically diverse areas. The HKH, they proclaimed, is teetering on the edge of disaster: a biosphere on the edge, and one that required bolder action and more money than citizens of other regions might fully comprehend.

What is behind such a possible collapse without which some countries might not be able to support their population? The cause, as most factors that plague the world today, is climate change. Glaciers are melting at an accelerating pace due to the deteriorating climatic conditions characterized by high temperatures. In fact, Sunita Chaudhary, an IPBES author with ICIMOD Ecosystems Specialist also states that these declines in nature are so advanced and accelerating so quickly that the real threat is now linked to animal and plant life as well as the human society.

The implications of such collapse will not be limited by region or state but will affect the global economy as a whole. Arising from these parameters, the HKH functions as a water reserve serving ten river systems with estimates of population using water sourced from the Himalayas as being about 1.9 billion people downstream. These water cycles are seasonal but unstable whenever glaciers start to melt and this causes flooding and drought like situations. This, in turn, compromises the food security of millions of residents within these riverine regions, who are dependent on riverine agriculture. 

There also is a substantially high human cost. The estimated population of HKH is 241 million people among who, according to recent analysis, 31%are already experiencing food insecurity.  Increasing populations lead to greater degradation of ecosystems with the resultant decline in resources that threatens the livelihoods, hence, furthering poverty.

But there's still hope. Scientist’s rousing is not a knell of defiance but a clarion call the world over needs to heed.  The increasing concern across the globe is the realization of the importance nature has for human sustenance. This is something which the HKH desperately requires an unfortunate fact that is yet to witness the sharper inclination towards the investments in the ecosystem restoration.

Here's what we can do:Here's what we can do:
 

Invest in Sustainable Practices:  This implies allowing policies that favoring conservation of agricultural land, conserving forests and use water resources appropriately. People on the local level require resources and information for changing the process at the decision making level.

 Push for Climate Action: Such pressing measures will help to address Greenhouse Gas Emission and the problem of Climate Change. This is a job that can only be accomplished through cooperation with world leaders and a transition to clean energy.

 Recognize the Value of the HKH:  The HKH isn’t only a geomorphological feature where tourists might visit for the enjoyment of actually beautiful mountains; it is a critical resource that sustains millions of people. Little is known about the values of its ecosystems; more efforts should be made to introduce it to the public and call for additional supports to protect it. 

  Support Local Communities:  The HKH region inhabitants comprehend the region’s equilibrium with considerable sensitivity and sophistication.  Teaching them the importance enabling them become caretakers of their environment is key towards sustaining the ecosystem.

If immediate action is not taken the entire Hindu Kush Himalaya region is at a great threat. This way, we can avoid such ecological failure and bring constant support to many populations that inhabit the “roof of the world”. Though not for the preservation of a mountain range alone, it is for the preservation of millions of consumers and the species present in this region. To help the future generation achieve their dreams and aspirations, let us seize the opportunity and prove that the HKH will always symbolize strength, and not destruction.