Additional Director Forest Department, Mr. Minhas-ud-Din, said at the occasion that “Mountains are ecological hotspots and provide innumerable natural resources for the survival of our communities. Climate Change poses a serious threat to these mountains and affects freshwater supplies downstream for millions of people, especially women who are at the forefront of facing the brunt of climate change. Women are particularly affected, as their vulnerability increases manifold.”

Ms. Fatima, a community member of the Community Based Disaster Risk Management Committee (CBDRMC) established by the GLOF-II Project acknowledged the efforts made by the project in empowering them. She said, “I represent my community here today and am thankful to the GLOF-II project for conducting such informative sessions for us. We play a crucial role in mountain habitats and would like to be made part of the decision-making process and have greater access to resources. We would feel motivated if our concerns are addressed by the government as well.”

Simultaneously a Panel Discussion was held in Gilgit, centering around the significance of mountain ecosystems and habitats, and the disastrous effects of Climate Change on mountain ecology. Higher government officials including the Chief Secretary GB, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Forest, Wildlife, and Environment, and Head of Sohni Jawari Institute for Public Policy graced the event and were part of the discussions in the context of Gilgit Baltistan and future efforts that would make them adept in dealing with the climate crisis. The panelists also highlighted the role of mountain women as primary managers of mountain resources and as guardians of biodiversity and traditional knowledge. The participants, which included students, teachers, and community members from the GLOF-II valleys engaged with the panelists by sharing their thoughts and hopes for a sustainable future as the discussion concluded.

“We are all aware of the great measure of suffering caused by climate induced GLOFs this year. These floods should be a warning for us to secure and protect our vastly melting glaciers. And for this very reason, communities – women and men, must work together with their indigenous knowledge of the mountains for inclusive climate action!” Mr. Khalid Khursheed Khan, the Chief Minister of Gilgit Baltistan said as he spoke keenly about women’s inclusion.

Following this insightful panel discussion was an interesting ‘Mountain Women in Business’ exhibition in which homemade organic products made by mountain women were displayed to showcase and promote their businesses.