Recognizing that most risk reduction efforts around GLOFs have primarily focused on hydrological and geo-technical (structural) engineered solutions and that the potential of occurrence of GLOF events is increasing due to climate change, a Regional Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) Risk Reduction in the Himalayas Initiative, supported by DIPECHO and managed by the Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, South and South-West Asia is being implemented through UNDP Country Offices in India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan. The project aims to complement the structural approaches towards GLOF risk reduction with sociological and community-based strategies for GLOF risk mitigation and preparedness as community participation in GLOF risk reduction has received little or no attention to date. In addition, the project will also provide an opportunity for networking among practitioners from a range of disciplines including climate change (CC), disaster risk management (DRM), environment and development planning for more effective and enhanced knowledge sharing and to help bring global and regional knowledge/approaches to bear at the national and local levels to help vulnerable communities prepare and protect themselves better. The project will directly benefit communities and counterpart institutions working at local, national and regional levels on disaster risk management, land use and development planning and environment, water and energy management in the target countries.
During the project implementation phase in Nepal, two glacial lakes were identified namely Dig Tsho (in Nangpa Valley) and Imja Tsho (in Imja Valley) to carry out project activities around these lakes. The Preparatory Assessment Report on GLOF impacts produced by the project is available at project website (http://managingclimaterisk.org/glofs).