ICIMOD

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is a regional intergovernmental organisation that promotes sustainable development across the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. Established in 1983, it serves eight member countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan — with its headquarters located in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, Nepal.
ICIMOD acts as a knowledge-sharing, policy-advisory, and capacity-building institution working to improve the well-being of mountain communities, protect fragile ecosystems, and foster transboundary cooperation in the world’s most prominent mountain systems.

Historical Background and Establishment

ICIMOD was founded to address the unique environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by mountain regions of South and Central Asia. Recognising the ecological significance of the Hindu Kush Himalayas — a region that serves as the “Water Tower of Asia” — the institution was created as a collaborative platform for research, regional coordination, and sustainable development.
Since its inception, ICIMOD has focused on integrating scientific knowledge with traditional practices to support climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, ecosystem conservation, and livelihood improvement.

Vision and Mission

ICIMOD’s vision is to foster a resilient, inclusive, and green mountain region, where communities live in harmony with nature and benefit equitably from its resources.
Its mission centres on advancing sustainable mountain development through:

• Generating and sharing knowledge on mountain environments.
• Supporting mountain policies and governance across borders.
• Building capacity among local institutions and communities.
• Promoting transboundary collaboration to manage shared ecosystems and water resources.

Organisational Structure and Governance

ICIMOD operates as an intergovernmental knowledge centre governed by a Board of Governors composed of representatives from each member country and independent experts.
It is led by a Director General and a senior management team that oversee regional programmes and partnerships. The Centre collaborates with governments, universities, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, and community-based groups across the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.
The organisation is supported by core funding from its member states and development partners, including international agencies and donors committed to environmental sustainability and regional cooperation.

Core Areas of Work

ICIMOD’s work is structured around thematic programmes designed to tackle the major environmental and socio-economic challenges of the mountain region.
1. Climate Change and AdaptationICIMOD conducts research on the impacts of climate change on glaciers, water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. It supports communities in developing adaptation strategies, such as climate-resilient farming, renewable energy adoption, and ecosystem restoration.
2. Water and Cryosphere ManagementThe organisation studies glaciers, snow, and river systems in the Hindu Kush Himalayas, providing critical data on water availability and glacial melt. Its findings support sustainable water management and help mitigate flood and drought risks.
3. Biodiversity and Ecosystem ConservationICIMOD promotes the protection of mountain biodiversity, forests, and rangelands through integrated landscape management. It encourages community-based conservation and sustainable resource use to maintain ecological balance.
4. Disaster Risk ReductionGiven the region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides, and flash floods, ICIMOD works to improve early warning systems, hazard mapping, and local resilience through applied research and technology.
5. Livelihoods and Inclusive DevelopmentThe organisation promotes green economies in mountain communities through sustainable agriculture, non-timber forest products, ecotourism, and value-chain development. Gender equality and social inclusion are central to its development approach.
6. Transboundary CooperationMountain ecosystems and river basins often span national boundaries. ICIMOD fosters collaboration among its member countries to jointly manage shared water resources, biodiversity corridors, and climate adaptation initiatives.

Strategic Programmes and Initiatives

ICIMOD’s activities are guided by long-term strategic frameworks, such as Strategy 2030, which aims to achieve impact through science, policy, and innovation. Key regional initiatives include:

• Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment Programme (HIMAP): A comprehensive scientific assessment of the region’s environmental and socio-economic trends.
• Regional Programme on Cryosphere and Atmosphere: Focuses on glaciers, snow, and climate systems.
• Hindu Kush Himalaya Call to Action: A global advocacy platform urging international commitment to mountain sustainability.
• Landscape Initiatives: Promoting integrated management of ecosystems across transboundary landscapes such as Kailash Sacred Landscape and Kangchenjunga Landscape.

Achievements and Impact

Over the decades, ICIMOD has contributed significantly to the understanding and management of mountain systems through:

• Scientific Research: Producing authoritative studies on glaciers, biodiversity, and climate impacts in the Himalayas.
• Capacity Building: Training thousands of professionals, researchers, and local leaders in sustainable development practices.
• Policy Influence: Providing scientific data and policy recommendations that inform environmental governance in member countries.
• Disaster Response Support: Assisting in post-disaster recovery and resilience planning, such as following the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
• Regional Data Systems: Establishing open-access platforms for environmental monitoring and knowledge sharing.

ICIMOD’s role as a Regional Implementing Entity of the Adaptation Fund has further enhanced its capacity to deliver climate adaptation projects directly to vulnerable communities.

Partnerships and Collaboration

ICIMOD works through partnerships at local, national, and international levels. It collaborates with:

• Government ministries of member states for policy implementation.
• Research and academic institutions for scientific innovation.
• International agencies such as UNEP, FAO, and UNDP for global environmental cooperation.
• Local communities and NGOs to translate knowledge into grassroots action.

These multi-level partnerships ensure that scientific insights are effectively applied to real-world challenges in mountain environments.

Importance of ICIMOD in the Global Context

The Hindu Kush Himalayan region, often called the “Third Pole” due to its vast ice reserves, provides water to nearly two billion people across Asia. ICIMOD’s work is therefore globally significant in terms of climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable water management.
By promoting sustainable practices and transboundary collaboration, ICIMOD contributes directly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate action, life on land, and partnerships for sustainable development.