UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have officially launched the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation on January 21st, 2025, marking a crucial milestone in global efforts to protect these essential water towers that provide freshwater to over 2 billion people worldwide.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in December 2022, and established March 21st as the annual World Day for Glaciers. It seeks to increase awareness of the vital role glaciers, snow, and ice play in the climate system and hydrological cycle, as well as the far-reaching impacts of rapid glacial melt and their impacts on economies and communities.

UNESCO and WMO are leading the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and  will coordinate international efforts supported by over 75 international organizations and 35 countries. WMO hosted the launch event at its headquarters on January 21^st.

“We are confident that this initiative will mobilize the global community, inspire action, and drive the policies and solutions necessary to protect these invaluable natural resources,” said Bahodur Sheralizoda, Chairman of the Committee for Environmental Protection of Tajikistan, which was instrumental in the declaration of the year.

The initiative focuses on several critical areas:

• Expanding global glacier monitoring systems to enhance data collection and analysis
• Developing early warning systems for glacier-related hazards
• Promoting sustainable water resource management in glacier-dependent regions
• Preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge related to glacial environments
• Engaging youth in glacier preservation efforts and climate action