Research insights on climate and water in the Hindu Kush Himalayas

Managing water resources is one of the major challenges of our century. Nowhere could this be more so than for the waters emanating from the Hindu Kush Himalayas, which is already characterized by a situation of ‘too much and too little’ water. Floods and droughts are already common, and the economic damage from these hazards is already high. With a growing population, more urbanization, and increasing wealth, our demand for this resource is increasing. Yet with climate change, the situation of water supply remains uncertain with changing precipitation and snowmelt patterns. To realize the benefits of water resources, it is essential that more scientific results are generated and used to make more informed decisions about this crucial resource. This publication contributes to an improved understanding of the region’s water resources by drawing together knowledge from the eight research projects of the South Asia Water Initiative Small Grants Program. By bringing together researchers from different countries in the region, the Small Grants Program also promoted a shared vision of water resources management, which is essential for realizing the benefits of the water resources of the Hindu Kush Himalayas.