In the context of sparse permafrost studies in the Hindu Kush Himalaya and significant gaps in our understanding of distribution, thermal state, organic content, and mass dynamics, we are collaborating with Tribhuvan University (TU) to organise this forum on permafrost. As a follow up response to recommendations made during the session on permafrost degradation and GHG emissions during International forum on cryosphere and society: The voice of the Hindu Kush Himalaya, the forum will bring together regional and global experts to exchange knowledge on the region’s permafrost and explore avenues for research collaboration. The forum will also raise awareness among policymakers on the implications of a changing permafrost for livelihoods, hydrological flows, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Objectives
- Share existing knowledge related to permafrost in the HKH and learn about permafrost related issues in other regions
- Discuss approaches and methods for permafrost monitoring and disseminate such information to the scientific community in the HKH and among the Regional Member Countries (RMCs)
- Build capacities of young researchers in the field
- Establish a network with other interested institutions to collaborate on future permafrost monitoring and analysis
- Develop efficient communication between knowledge producers and stakeholders to identify needs and directly respond to identified gaps in permafrost research
Expected outputs and outcomes
- A brief synthesis report based on the discussions and presentations on the status of permafrost research in the HKH, knowledge gaps, and further investments necessary
- Potential collaborations between participants on future research projects
- Develop the basis for a permafrost working group in the region that can address pressing issues and act as a platform for exchange. This will include both experts on permafrost as well as policy makers and other decision makers from the region.
Target audience
The target audience is the cryosphere research community in the region, including those potentially planning to work on permafrost, as well as the global permafrost research community who can provide insights and/or may have interest in permafrost in the region. Through the workshop, we hope to address research methods, gaps in research, and identify future paths for research.
Call for abstracts
The organisers of the forum invite permafrost researchers to submit abstracts or posters for presentation on any of these topics:
- Remote sensing, rock glaciers, and hazards
- Field investigations of permafrost
- Modelling permafrost
- Climate change and permafrost: Impact on livelihoods and infrastructure
- Ecosystems and permafrost
- Hydrological regime and permafrost
Abstracts must be submitted by 5:00 pm NPT (UTC+5:45), 3:15 am AKDT, 7:15 am EDT, 3 September 2021.
Please follow the link above for more information.