1. INTRODUCING THE
High Mountain
HIGH MOUNTAIN GLACIAL Glacial Watershed
WATERSHED PROGRAM Program
G
laciated, high mountain regions of the world play a critical role in providing water and ecosystem services to large human populations living
downstream – and climate change impacts are felt first and foremost in relation to water resources in these regions. Reduced dry season flows,
increasing threats from glacial lake outburst floods and concerns about climate impacts on high mountain livelihoods and biodiversity provided the
motivation for scientists, practitioners, and government officials to meet in Peru (International Workshop – Adapting to a World without Glaciers, July 2009)
and Nepal (Andean-Asian Glacial Lake Expedition and Knowledge Exchange, September 2011). Participants at both events noted the lack of engagement of
local communities and leaders in climate change research activities, despite their intimate knowledge of their own environments.They also cited heavy reliance
on remote sensing studies without corroborating field verification, as well as the lack of interaction between key stakeholders as barriers to further progress.
The High Mountain Glacial Watershed Program (HMGWP) was created at the recommendation of participants in Nepal as a Community of Practice to
address the perceived gaps in knowledge and collaboration and to develop follow on pilots and capacity building activities.The U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID) will provide initial financial support to HMGWP through the Climate Change Resilient Development (CCRD) Project, implemented
by International Resources Group. HMGWP has the goal of increasing awareness of the critical importance of high mountain watersheds in the context of
climate change, highland-lowland interactions, and ecosystem services. Co-financing for HMGWP is also provided by the U.S. Department of State as part
of their support for the Adaptation Partnership.
The HMGWP is open to all individuals and organizations interested in high mountain development issues. The Program will combine international scientific
experience with local knowledge and resources to promote global awareness of the critical importance of high mountain glacial watersheds. Particular focus
will be placed on the impacts of climate change, interactions between highland and lowland communities, and services for protecting fragile ecosystems. The
Program will be led by Dr. Alton Byers of The Mountain Institute and Dr. Daene McKinney of the University of Texas at Austin.
The Program will focus primarily on remote, high altitude mountain ecosystems and communities to develop innovative tools and practices for facilitating
adaptation to climate change. In doing so, the Program will create conditions necessary for all stakeholders who are dependent on glacial watersheds, including
local communities, government agencies, and downstream populations, to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change. It will also advance and
disseminate knowledge of high mountain systems and processes, and increase global awareness of and support for threatened glacial environments.
Additional activities of HMGWP include creation of a Competitive Solicitation under the CCRD Small Grants Program to provide field-based, hands-on
research opportunities for climber-scientists and practitioners in many of the world’s most poorly studied mountain regions. It will also encourage systematic
use of field work to support and augment remote sensing technologies such as satellite imaging, further assist mountain communities in adapting to climate
change, and enhance development of the next generation of high mountain physical and social scientists, including those with little climbing experience.
Summaries of the Nepal and Peru events, respectively, are available at www.adaptationpartnership.org and www.mountain.org/publications. For additional
information on HMGWP, CCRD, and the Climber-Scientist Competitive Solicitation, please contact:
Dr. Alton C. Byers Dr. Daene McKinney Dr. Glen Anderson Ms. Deborah Tepley
The Mountain Institute The University of Texas at Austin International Resources Group International Resources Group
Director of Science and Exploration Professor of Water Resources CCRD Chief of Party Small Grants Manager
Engineering Tel: (202) 289-0100
Tel: (304) 636-6980 Tel: (202) 289-0100
Cell: (571) 481-8650 Tel: (512) 471-5644 E-mail: ganderson@irgltd.com E-mail: dtepley@irgltd.com
E-mail: abyers@mountain.org Cell: (512) 428-4518 Web: www.irgltd.com Web: www.irgltd.com
Skype: telecome1793 E-mail: daene@aol.com
Web: www.mountain.org Skype: daene1
Web: www.crwr.utexas.edu
High Mountain
Glacial Watershed
Program