ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance Pakistan and EvK2CNR, has conducted a two-day training programme on “Glacio-Hydrological Monitoring for Adaptive Water Banking” to strengthen Pakistan’s capacity to manage glacier-fed water resources and address climate-related risks.
The training brought together Pakistani and Italian experts, researchers, academics and government representatives to enhance technical knowledge in glacier basin analysis, water balance hydrology and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based modelling.
The initiative aimed to support climate resilience, improve early warning capabilities and strengthen disaster risk reduction across Pakistan’s Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, where glacier dynamics and changing climate conditions have significant implications for water availability and mountain communities.
Dr. Roberto Neccia, Deputy Head of Mission at the Italian Embassy in Islamabad, attended the event as Guest of Honour. Experts from EvK2CNR and leading Italian universities delivered specialized lectures and practical sessions covering glacier dynamics, climate change impacts, satellite remote sensing and sustainable management of mountain water resources.
Pakistan’s glaciers are an important source of freshwater, supporting river systems, agriculture and communities downstream. Changes in glacier conditions and the timing of meltwater flows can create challenges for long-term water planning and increase certain hazards in mountain environments.
The training highlighted the importance of scientific cooperation, technical capacity-building and international knowledge exchange in strengthening glacier monitoring and improving water resource management.
Collaboration between Pakistani institutions and international research partners can help advance evidence-based planning and support efforts to safeguard mountain water resources amid a changing climate.
