The Andean Glacier and Water Atlas

Preface

Achieving and maintaining water security in vulnerable areas, such as mountainous and arid regions, is challenging. Yet, projections of increased climate variability indicate the situation is only likely to become more complex. To tackle this situation, it is essential to develop mitigation and adaptation policies based on the scientific understanding of climate impacts on water security. In the Andean region, water scarcity and uncertainty are the main issues; many Andean valleys are seasonally dry and depend on glacier runoff to support the people, energy, food production and ecosystems. The Andean Glacier and Water Atlas has been compiled as part of a multidisciplinary project initiated by UNESCO and aided by the Flanders Fund in Trust (FUST). The project, “The Impact of Glacier Retreat in the Andes: International Multidisciplinary Network for Adaptation Strategies”, aims to improve understanding of vulnerabilities, opportunities and potential for adaptation to change, particularly climate change. The Atlas illustrates the significant reduction in glacier mass happening throughout the region. It quantifies the contribution of glaciers to drinking water supplies in cities, agriculture, hydropower and industries, such as mining. The findings highlight the impact of shrinking glaciers on water availability and security for millions of people. The current reliance on glacier melt coupled with the measurable changes being observed mean a strengthened science-policy dialogue is needed. This kind of discussion would raise awareness regarding the impact of retreating glaciers on water resources.

Several Andean countries have initiated processes to protect and conserve glaciers and their strategic mountain water reserves. These initiatives provide concrete examples of how to tackle the challenges considering the local context. The Atlas provides specific recommendations on addressing the issues of water vulnerability and security. This includes improving the understanding of climate change impacts on communities, in order to strengthen local capacities to develop specific adaptation responses. Continued urbanisation in conjunction with reduced glacier runoff will pose additional challenges to mountain cities that are currently dependent on glaciers for their water supply. Improved water governance will be key to ensuring that competing water uses are adequatelymanagedunder the additional pressure. The International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO will continue its support to the Andean countries, as part of its Eight Phase (2014–2021) “Water Security – Responses to Local, Regional, and Global Challenges”, and continue to strengthen the UNESCO working group on snow and ice in Latin America. The atlas also directly supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. We would like to thank the Government of Flanders and the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment for providing financial support for the publication, and all the stakeholders involved, including scientists, governmental agencies, politicians, participating countries and the broader IHP Water Family.

Blanca Jiménez-Cisneros Director, Water Sciences Division Secretary International Hydrological Programme (IHP) UNESCO

Peter Harris Managing Director GRID-Arendal

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