The landmark study, “The New Inventory of Glaciers in Pakistan,” will be presented at COP29, the UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. This significant research was conducted under the “Glaciers and Students” project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by UNDP in partnership with the EvK2-CNR association.
The announcement was made at a press conference on November 7, 2024, by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, who received the comprehensive volume of the inventory from Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Her Excellency Marilina Armellin. This study reflects the collaborative efforts between the universities of Italy and Pakistan.
The project highlights the importance of mapping over 13,032 glaciers through both on-site measurements and remote sensing techniques, as well as the installation and restoration of eight meteorological stations in Gilgit-Baltistan. This extensive dataset will play a crucial role in managing climate-related risks, equipping Pakistan with the knowledge needed to anticipate and prepare for future challenges.
UNDP Representative Samuel Rizk and AICS Islamabad Head Francesco Zatta were also present at the occassion, emphasizing the value of partnerships in advancing climate action. Thanks to synergies between local institutions and universities in Italy and Pakistan, technical expertise and capacity in glaciology have been significantly strengthened.
The project also places young people at the forefront of climate action, as explained by Maurizio Gallo, Project Manager of the “G&S Project,” and Davide Fugazza, a glaciologist from the University of Milan. Recognizing that future generations will need to address the effects of climate change, 360 students from Italy and Pakistan were involved in training sessions, enhancing their skills in research, analysis, and outreach for the benefit of institutions engaged in natural resource management.
Above: press conference with Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change, Romina Khurshid Alam, Italy’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Her Excellency Marilina Armellin, UNDP Representative Samuel Rizk, Maurizio Gallo, Project Manager of the “G&S Project,” and Davide Fugazza, a glaciologist from the University of Milan.