नेपाल सम्वत् ११४५ चिल्लागाः ८ (९ चैत्र, २०८१) मार्च २२, २०२५ ,शनिबार, बाँपीझ्याला ।The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025, published by UNESCO, highlights the severe threats facing mountain environments due to climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable practices. Mountains, which provide up to 60% of global freshwater, are under unprecedented stress, endangering billions of people and ecosystems worldwide. Glaciers are melting at alarming rates, and mountain communities, particularly in developing countries, face food insecurity, with women and children most at risk. These changes threaten industries like hydropower, tourism, and agriculture, which rely heavily on mountain resources.

In Nepal, the situation is critical. Studies show that the country has lost 24% of its glacier area and 29% of its ice reserves from 1977 to 2010, with 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes posing risks of outburst floods. Nepal has already experienced 54 glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), causing fatalities and displacement. The report emphasizes the urgent need for international cooperation, adaptation strategies, and investment in resilience to protect these vital water towers.

Experts like Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha and Dr. Mohan P. Chand stress the importance of addressing glacier melting and its cascading effects on water resources, livelihoods, and climate change. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD, calls for immediate action, stating that Nepal, as the "mountain capital of the world," must lead efforts to protect glaciers and biodiversity. Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for sustainable actions to safeguard glaciers, water sources, and the future of the planet. The report underscores that multilateral solutions and global climate funding are essential to mitigate these risks and ensure a sustainable future.