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Published on
18.03.25
Every year on March 22, the world unites to recognize World Water Day, a global observance highlighting water’s critical role in our lives and the urgent need to address water challenges.
This year’s theme, “Glacier Preservation,” emphasizes the vital role of glaciers in sustaining freshwater supplies, regulating climate, and supporting ecosystems. Glaciers act as natural water storage systems, slowly releasing freshwater to millions of people, particularly in regions dependent on seasonal meltwater for agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water.
As glacier loss accelerates due to climate change, downstream communities face heightened risks of water scarcity, extreme weather, and disrupted agricultural cycles.
Protecting glaciers is, therefore, essential for ensuring water security worldwide.
The role of glaciers in agriculture
Glaciers provide critical water resources for agriculture, particularly in South Asia, the Andes, and Central Asia, where melting snow and ice sustain river flows during dry seasons.
Without these natural water reserves, irrigation systems could collapse, threatening food production and livelihoods.
Key agricultural regions at risk include:
- The Indus Basin: Supplies water to millions of farmers in Pakistan and India; projected to become a seasonal river by 2050 if glacier retreat continues. Read more
- The Himalayan River Systems: Glacier loss in the Himalayas is accelerating, impacting water availability in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Mekong rivers. Read more
- The Andes: Glacial melt provides crucial irrigation water for high-altitude agriculture in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
Investing in sustainable glacier-fed water management is essential for safeguarding food systems.
CGIAR and IWMI: Research and innovation for glacier protection
At CGIAR, water security is at the heart of agricultural resilience. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) is leading research in understanding and mitigating the effects of glacier retreat on farming and water systems.
Key initiatives include:
- IWMI Strategy 2024-2030: Focused on climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and nature-based solutions. Read more
- Grafting glaciers and ice stupas: Innovative glacier restoration techniques used in the Himalayas to extend seasonal water availability. Read more
- Climate Resilience Initiative: Examining climate impacts on glacier-fed agricultural systems and developing adaptation strategies. Read more
- Response of runoff processes to glacier loss: Studying water flow changes in glacier-dependent regions, particularly in the Southern Tibetan Plateau. Read more
- Glacier systems and seasonal snow cover in Asian river basins: Research on the changing role of glaciers in sustaining freshwater availability. Read more
- Preserving Africa’s glaciers to protect our future: Africa’s glaciers hold the future of water for millions and we must act this World Water Day before they vanish. Read more
Impact stories from CGIAR
Glacier loss presents significant challenges to water security, but innovative solutions are already making a difference. Across CGIAR and IWMI projects, communities adapt their agricultural practices and water management strategies to cope with changing water availability. These efforts highlight how science-driven interventions can build resilience in glacier-dependent regions.
- Adapting Farming to Glacier Loss: Exploring climate-smart irrigation techniques for high-altitude regions.
- Resilient Water Systems: Helping mountain communities prepare for water shortages caused by glacier retreat.
- Artificial Glacier Growth in Asia: How farmers create ice reserves to sustain irrigation during dry periods. Read more
News, resources, and research
Stay updated with CGIAR’s latest glacier-related water security and climate resilience findings. Explore how melting glaciers reshape water dynamics and what strategies can mitigate their impacts.
- Melting Himalayan Glaciers and Flood Risks in Pakistan Read more
- Gender and Glacier Adaptation Strategies Read more
- Water and Climate Change Resilience Read more
How you can get involved
World Water Day is an opportunity for action. Here’s how you can help:
- Join the conversation using #WorldWaterDay2025 and #WaterForGlaciers on social media.
- Support initiatives that protect glaciers and promote climate adaptation.
- Advocate for policies that prioritize glacier conservation and sustainable water management.
- Learn about CGIAR and IWMI’s efforts to safeguard glacier-fed agriculture.
Looking ahead
Glacier loss is reshaping global water security, but solutions exist. This World Water Day, let’s commit to protecting glaciers and ensuring sustainable water access for future generations.