About Hindu Kush Himalayas:

• The Hindu-Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region encompasses Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• It is considered the Third Pole (after the North and South Poles) and has significant implications for climate.
• It contains the largest volume of ice and snow outside of the Arctic and Antarctica.
• The ice and snow from this region are an important source of water for 12 rivers that flow through 16 countries in Asia.

Key facts about International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

• It is an intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre working on behalf of the people of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
• It is based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• It works for eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
• Functions
  • 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.