ROME, March 3 – At the opening day of the Arctic Circle Forum, held at the headquarters of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), the Italian Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, received the official inventory of Pakistan’s 13,032 glaciers, by Pakistani Senator and Minister for Climate Change, Senator Malik, and Agostino da Polenza, President of EvK2CNR.
This groundbreaking inventory is the result of the "Glaciers and Students" project, a major initiative funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in Islamabad. Implemented by EvK2CNR in close partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan, the project has successfully documented the vast glacial resources of the northern regions of Pakistan.
"This achievement represents a significant step forward in understanding and protecting one of the world's most critical glacial systems," the partners stated during the presentation. The comprehensive data provides an essential scientific baseline for monitoring the impacts of climate change on the "Third Pole" and for developing informed strategies for water resource management and disaster risk reduction in the region.
Beyond its scientific value, the inventory stands as a powerful symbol of the enduring scientific collaboration between Italy and Pakistan. It highlights the crucial role of partnerships between governments, research institutions, and international agencies in tackling global climate challenges.
The "Glaciers and Students" project not only advances glaciological knowledge but has also involved and trained local students and researchers, building lasting capacity for future environmental monitoring in Pakistan.