FAO Partners ICIMOD For Resilient Himalayan Food Systems in Nepal

19th July 2025, Kathmandu

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) are joining forces to bolster resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart agri-food systems across the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region.

FAO Partners ICIMOD

This strategic collaboration, highlighted by a meeting between Mr. Ken Shimizu (FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal) and Dr. Pema Gyamtsho (ICIMOD Director General), aims to foster sustainable mountain development through regional partnerships and innovation.

Key Areas of Collaboration

The partnership will focus on several critical areas:

One Health Approach: Addressing transboundary animal and zoonotic diseases to protect both human and animal health.

Agroecological Practices: Promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable farming methods.

Integrated Water and Land Management: Enhancing the efficient use of resources to mitigate climate risks and improve ecosystem resilience.

Transforming Mountain Agri-Food Systems

Both organizations are committed to making agri-food systems in mountain regions more inclusive, equitable, and adaptable to climate change. A particular emphasis will be placed on supporting rangeland-dependent and pastoralist communities, who are often highly vulnerable to climate impacts.

International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

FAO and ICIMOD will also work together on the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). This collaboration will ensure regional visibility and active stakeholder engagement for the IYRP, highlighting the vital role of rangelands and pastoralists in the HKH region.

For more: FAO Partners ICIMOD