About International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development:
- It is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre working on behalf of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
- It was formally established and inaugurated on 5 December 1983.
- Mission: To build and share knowledge that drives regional policy and action and attracts investment that enables the diverse countries and communities of the HKH to transition to greener, more inclusive, and climate resilient development.
- Member countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
- Functions of International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
- It serves the region through information and knowledge generation and sharing to find innovative solutions to critical mountain problems.
- It bridges science with policies and on-the-ground practices.
- It provides a regional platform where experts, planners, policymakers, and practitioners can exchange ideas and perspectives towards the achievement of sustainable mountain development.
- Headquarter: Kathmandu, Nepal.
Key facts about Hindu Kush Himalayas
- It extends around 3,500 km over eight countries— Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
- It is considered the Third Pole(after the North and South Poles) and has significant implications for climate.
- It forms the largest area of permanent ice cover outside of the North and South Poles and is home to 4 global biodiversity hotspots.
- It is the source of ten large Asian river systems: the Amu Darya, Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow River, and Tarim.
