High Mountains Adaptation Partnership

The High Mountains Adaptation Partnership (HiMAP) aims to increase awareness of the critical importance of high mountain watersheds in the context of climate change, highland-lowland interactions, and ecosystem services. By 2015 the HiMAP team will have strengthened scientific, social, and institutional capacity for the management of dangerous glacial lakes in Peru and Nepal. HiMAP is a sustainable program that will continue well after the CCRD project has concluded, demonstrating the importance of this work for stakeholders and governments.
A tranquil village in the shadow of Ama Dablam mountain, eastern Himalayas Nepal. Photo Credit: Dr. Alton C. Byers

The project has been instrumental in creating the first community-based, participatory glacial lake risk reduction project in Nepal. It included training programs, a new South-South knowledge exchange, an innovative Glacial Lake Rapid Reconnaissance Team, development of Local Adaptation Plans for Action (LAPA) in Peru and Nepal, and vital donor coordination. HiMAP established the first high mountain glacial watershed Community of Practice, which creates new opportunities, connections, and shared knowledge between previously disconnected scientists and practitioners. In addition, HiMAP is developing a new generation of climber-scientists fluent in climate change and adaptation issues, research methods, and action projects in high mountain watersheds.

In addition to the reports below, please visit the CCRD Resource Library for more from HiMAP and other programs.
himap lessons leanred in nepal and peru            
              HiMAP Lessons Learned     |  Post-Earthquake Report      |   Khumbu, Nepal LAPA         |  Glacial Lake Management

USAID provided financial support to the High Mountains Adaptation Partnership through the Climate Change Resilient Development (CCRD) Project, implemented by Engility Corporation.

Visit the High Mountains Adaptation Partnership website for more information.
Contact: Michael E. Cote, michaelcote@ccrdproject.com.