22 March 2025 - The commemoration of the World Water Day every year on March 22 is a platform to highlight the importance of managing fresh water resources effectively for water, food and energy security of countries globally as well as to protect the ecosystem. The theme of the 2025 World Water Day focuses on "Glacier Preservation", underscoring the critical role glaciers play in maintaining the planet's freshwater reserves and the urgent need to protect these vital sources. They act as natural freshwater reservoirs, storing approximately 60% of the world's freshwater. As they melt, glaciers release water that feeds rivers, lakes, and groundwater systems, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, industry, and energy production. It also influences sea level and are integral to various ecosystems.

Figure 1 Glacial Lake in Eastern Himalayas, Nepal (Photo Credit: Niladri Gupta)

Climate change has accelerated the melting of glaciers worldwide. According to UNESCO's World Water Development Report 2025, "Mountains and glaciers: water towers", glaciers are melting faster than ever, with the last three-year period seeing the largest glacial mass loss on record. Since 1975, 9,000 gigatons of ice have been lost, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters. The rapid melting poses significant risk leading to extreme events like Glacier Lake Outburst flows, water scarcity, sea-level rise and eco-system disruption leading to water-food-energy-ecosystem challenges.

ADPC's intervention in the glacier-fed river basins

ADPC is closing working with government and partners in glacier fed river basins of south and southeast Asia like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus and the Mekong. These rivers support hundreds of millions of people across multiple countries. The accelerated melting of these glaciers threatens water security, agriculture, and energy production in the region. One of the significant interventions by ADPC in the region being the Climate Adaptation and Resilience for South Asia (CARE for South Asia) project funded by the World Bank which looks into the water resources challenges in these glaciers fed river basins and addresses the challenges by improving the availability of regional data and knowledge, developing guidelines, tools, and capacities, and promoting climate-resilient decisions, policies, and investments.

ADPC leverages satellite data and geospatial technologies to address challenges related to water resources and hydro-climatic disasters through itsSERVIR-SEA program in collaboration with NASA. The project enhanced the capacity of regional institutions to use geospatial data for decision-making, thereby improving water resource management and disaster preparedness.

With rapid increase in urban population in the region, cities reliant on glacial-fed rivers, needs urban resilience which is closely linked to effective water resource management, and flood management.Urban Resilience to Climate Extremes in Southeast Asia program supported selected deltaic and coastal cities in Southeast Asia to build the resilience of urban communities and systems to climate extremes, disasters, and emergencies.

Impact of ADPC's Work

Through these initiatives, ADPC contributes to:

• Enhanced Data Accessibility: By improving access to climate and hydro-meteorological data and services, ADPC supports informed decision-making in water management and disaster preparedness.
• Capacity Building: Training programs and workshops enhance the skills of local stakeholders in utilizing geospatial technologies and implementing climate-resilient practices.
• Policy Development: Collaborations with governments facilitate the integration of scientific data into policies and strategies for sustainable water resource management.

As we observe World Water Day 2025 with a focus on glacier preservation, it is imperative to recognize the interconnectedness of glacial health, water security, and disaster resilience. Asian Disaster Preparedness Center is at the forefront of efforts to enhance climate resilience and water resource management in South and Southeast Asia. Through data-driven approaches, capacity building, and policy support, ADPC plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by glacial melt and ensuring sustainable water futures for the region. By strengthening disaster preparedness and promoting sustainable water management practices, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the vital water resources that glaciers provide.