Climate Resilient Mountain Development and Water Challenges
Mountain regions provide a multitude of ecosystem services. However, mountain ecosystems are also fragile and vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, including melting glaciers that threaten downstream water security. Deforestation and forest degradation, land use change, land degradation, disasters, poor watershed management and the marginalisation of mountain communities also have a major impact on these ecosystems, their associated water resources and the people that rely on them. The SDC is active in mountain regions and watersheds across the world, and seeks to promote water security and create better living conditions and decent incomes for mountain communities.
Assessment of Glacier and Permafrost Hazards in Mountain Regions: Technical Guidance Document
This technical guidance document provides a structured and comprehensive approach to hazard assessment underpinned by latest scientific understanding. It has been produced as a resource for international and national agencies, responsible authorities and private companies.
The hydrological ecosystem services compensation system: the Mariño micro-basin in Abancay, Peru
The local organizations and peasant farmer communities of Apurimac hold activities to protect springs, plant native trees and build ccochas (artisanal reservoirs) to improve water regulation.
Leaving no one in mountains behind – Localizing the SDGs for resilience of mountain people and ecosystems
This issue brief presents initial steps towards localization of the 2030 Agenda to mountain areas.
A first National Inventory of Future Glacier Lakes: implications for water and risk management in Peru
The following article presents the construction and usefulness of a first National Inventory of Future Glacier Lakes in the Peruvian Andes for new pathways of water and risk management.
Climate Vulnerability Assessment for the Indian Himalayan Region using a common framework
This article explains a first-of-its kind mapping and capacity building initiative on climate vulnerability and risk assessment for the Indian Himalayan Region using a common framework
Managing disaster risks and water under climate change in Central Asia and Caucasus
This publication presents the conclusions emerging from a joint learning journey involving three thematic networks – Climate Change and Environment, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Water.
Risks and options from new lakes in the Andes of Peru: implications for future water management
This study has been conducted in the framework of the SDC’s ‘Glacier Project+’ highlighting both potential risks and options from shrinking glaciers and growing lakes in the Southern Andes of Peru.
Safer lives and livelihoods in mountains: Making the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction work for sustainable mountain development
This publication highlights 15 cases of good practice in development and applied research from mountain regions, and illustrates how the Sendai Framework’s four priorities can be put into practice.
Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme
The Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme works to strengthen climate science (especially glaciology and related areas) and capacities for climate change adaptation planning.
Publications and Other Resources on Sustainable Mountain Development
This page brings together all the key publications (multiple languages) on Sustainable Mountain Development produced and/or funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and partners.