Climate change, neoliberal development, and mass tourism are major threats to mountain ecosystem
by Wazir Aftab
International Mountain Day celebrated globally on December 11, shines a spotlight on the vital importance of mountains, their ecosystems and the challenges faced by mountain communities. These natural wonders are home to 15% of the world’s population and cradle half of the planet’s biodiversity hotspots. Mountains are also the lifeline of our planet, providing fresh water for half of humanity.
International Mountain Day holds profound significance for Gilgit-Baltistan which is blessed with the world’s most breathtaking mountain ranges — the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush. Iconic peaks like K2, Nanga Parbat, and Rakaposhi are not only the region’s crowning glory but also the lifeblood of its environment, economy, and culture. However, the very existence of these majestic mountains and the communities that call them home is under threat from climate change, presenting both daunting challenges and unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth.
This year’s IMD theme, “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future — innovation, adaptation and youth”, offers a timely lens through which to tackle this critical issue, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions, adaptive strategies, and youth-led initiatives to safeguard the future of our mountains.
G-B’s fragile ecosystem under threat
Gilgit-Baltistan, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is a treasure trove of natural beauty and ecological importance. The region’s mountains are not just a source of attraction but serve as lifelines, performing critical ecological and economic functions. However, the region’s vulnerable and fragile ecosystem is facing unprecedented threats from neoliberal unplanned development and mass tourism.
The construction of hotels, roads, and other infrastructure is leading to widespread environmental degradation, deforestation, and habitat destruction. The influx of tourists is putting pressure on the region’s natural resources, including water and sanitation facilities. The lack of effective waste management systems is resulting in pollution and degradation of the region’s pristine lakes, rivers, and glaciers.
The region’s unique biodiversity is also under threat. The snow leopard, ibex, markhor, and chakkor are just a few of the many species that call Gilgit-Baltistan home. However, their habitats are being destroyed, and their populations are declining due to human activities such as hunting, poaching, and habitat fragmentation.
The region’s communities, which have developed sustainable practices over centuries to live in harmony with nature, are also facing challenges. The influx of tourists is leading to cultural degradation, and the erosion of traditional practices and values. The lack of benefits from tourism is also leading to resentment among local communities, who feel that they are not being fairly compensated for the use of their natural resources.
The government and other stakeholders must take immediate action to address these challenges. This includes implementing sustainable tourism practices, protecting the region’s natural resources, and ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism. The region’s unique cultural and natural heritage must be protected for future generations.
Opportunities offered by the mountains
Among the challenges, the mountains of the region also offer significant opportunities that can be harnessed for sustainable development. One of them is eco-tourism, by promoting it, the region can attract environmentally conscious travellers while minimizing the ecological footprint of tourism. It will not just provide good income to the local communities but also help protect the environment.
Another opportunity can be the renewable energy sector, the mountainous terrain offers immense potential for hydropower energy, as the region is blessed with abundant water resources, it is home to around 7,000 glaciers, so you can imagine the potential by yourself and currently, most of the water is going to waste, most of the energy produced in the region is through fossil fuel, which is climate-averse.
Harnessing the resources can address local energy needs effectively, the region is electricity deprived for so long too. According to some experts, the region can produce around 40,000 megawatts of clean and cheap electricity, which is way beyond its own energy needs, and it means that it not only can become self-sufficient in the energy sector but could also lend energy to other parts of the country as well.
Challenges
Despite its beauty and significance, GB faces serious threats from climate change, which exacerbates existing vulnerabilities.
- Firstly, rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melting in the region, which is a considerable threat. This not only threatens the availability of water for agriculture and human consumption but also increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), which have already caused significant destruction in several areas.
- Secondly, climate change is disrupting different habitats, threatening the survival of key species like the snow leopard, ibex and marmot. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are also affecting the distribution of plant species.
- The fragile mountainous terrain is highly susceptible to soil erosion as well, which is being exacerbated by deforestation, overgrazing, and erratic weather patterns, and in recent years we have seen this unabated erosion of land across the region.
- The people of Gilgit Baltistan are highly vulnerable to natural disasters as well, such as landslides, floods, and avalanches, which are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change. These disasters not only endanger lives but also destroy infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods.
- Lastly, while tourism boosts the local economy, the lack of sustainable tourism practices is leading to waste generation, deforestation, and harm to local ecosystems. In recent times it has been noticed that many hospitality institutions are discharging effluents directly into the river.
Solutions to save the mountain ecosystem
To mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the mountain ecosystem, several steps can be taken:
- Creating awareness among the people and tourists by educating them about climate change and its impacts is crucial. This can empower them to adopt sustainable practices and participate in conservation efforts. Incorporating environmental studies and climate change curricula into schools can help the younger generation understand the challenges facing their local ecosystems.
- Digital platforms can be used effectively to create mass awareness about the importance of mountains and sustainable practices. Using local languages can enhance the efficacy of these efforts.
- Technology can be used to monitor glacial health, biodiversity, and land patterns, informing better decision-making for the future.
- The G-B government should frame policies aimed at conserving glaciers, biodiversity, and forests. Strict laws should be enforced against deforestation and overgrazing to deter harmful practices.
- Developing climate-resilient infrastructure, including early warning systems for natural disasters, is vital for saving lives.
- Identifying and holding accountable those responsible for vandalizing rock inscriptions, and heritage sites such as writing slogans on mountains and rocks, can help preserve the natural beauty of these areas.
- Shifting electricity lines underground can improve the aesthetic appeal of mountain areas and enhance the visitor experience.
- Empowering local government and communities to foster resilience against climate change is critical. This can be achieved through financial assistance, technical assistance, job creation, and financial opportunities for affected and vulnerable people.
- Efforts can also be made to expand the forests in the region. Community-led afforestation programs can be initiated. Afforestation can also help cope with climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide.
- By keeping in view this year’s theme some innovation can be brought to the traditional agricultural practices, which can be modernized with climate-resilient techniques, to maximize their benefits.
International Mountain Day reminds us of the critical importance of mountains, not only for those who live in their shadow but for the entire globe. In the context of Gilgit-Baltistan, the day highlights the urgent need to address the challenges posed by climate change, unplanned construction and mass tourism while recognizing the immense opportunities the region offers. By working together, we can protect the mountain ecosystem and ensure a sustainable future for all.
Let’s join forces to protect and preserve these towering treasures and ensure the well-being of the communities that call them home.
Wazir Aftab is a media student currently working as the Deputy Controller of Examinations at the University of Baltistan. He writes about social and policy issues. He completed his master’s degree in media and communication from Brunel University London