Dr. Stefan Schneiderbauer, Head of the GLOMOS Bolzano Office, delivered an impactful keynote address at the ICIMOD Hindu Kush Himalaya Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Hub (HDKH) in Kathmandu today, Monday 9th December 2024. His presentation, titled “Mountain Riskscapes: Incorporating Complex Realities of Dynamic Social-Ecological Systems into Disaster Risk Reduction”, shed light on the intricate interplay between social and ecological systems in mountainous regions and their implications for disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The presentation took place on the occasion of the launch of the "Hindu Kush Himalaya Disaster Risk Reduction Knowledge Hub: Safer HKH through Early Warnings", a platform launched by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), and dedicated to advancing resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. Dr. Schneiderbauer’s insights align closely with GLOMOS’s mission of promoting holistic, knowledge-driven approaches to safeguarding vulnerable mountain areas.organized by ICIMOD to advance discussions on cryosphere, water, and disaster risk reduction in the region (see more here).

Dr. Schneiderbauer emphasized the pressing need for systemic approaches to understanding and addressing the unique challenges posed by mountain social-ecological systems. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond traditional frameworks to incorporate the complexities and dynamic realities of these environments.

Key Takeaways from the Keynote:

• The Role of Indigenous Knowledge: Dr. Schneiderbauer underscored the invaluable contributions of indigenous and local knowledge in crafting effective DRR strategies tailored to mountain communities.

• Learning from Past Disasters: He pointed out that lessons from past disaster events can significantly enhance preparedness and response, particularly in the context of risks amplified by climate change.

• Acknowledging Risk Dynamics: Recognizing the ever-changing nature of risks is crucial for addressing both economic and non-economic losses and damages in mountain regions.