Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, February 15:

The WWF Nepal and Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct research on climate impact in Nepal for a period of five years.

The WWF Nepal and DHM share common objective regarding research on subjects of mutual interest like hydrology, meteorology, glaciology and climate change in Nepal in achieving the government’s targets. “At the initial stage, the research will be carried out in Ngozumpa and Khumbu glaciers to develop a model that predicts the behaviours of these glaciers under future climate scenario,” said Dr Chandra Gurung, Country Representative of WWF Nepal. “This will not only further climate change research in Nepal but also help build a freshwater vulnerability assessment and appropriate adaptation measures.” “With the MoU signed, definitely another chapter has started. The department is happy to share its expertise, knowledge and resources in developing the climate model,” director general of DHM Dr Madan Lal Shrestha said. Climate change is an important concern for Nepal’s fragile mountain ecosystem. The increased frequency of extreme weather events, weather-related disasters, rapid glacier retreat and potential glacier lake outburst floods (GLOFs) threaten livelihood and biodiversity in the Himalayas.