GILGIT, PAKISTAN — The lofty peaks and verdant valleys of the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region have inspired awe and wonder in the hearts of many for centuries. And now, the Karakoram International University (KIU) in Pakistan’s idyllic Gilgit town has crafted a scintillating tome, delving into the mysteries of these magnificent mountains and their impact on both humanity and nature.
The opus, titled “Mountain Studies: Unraveling the Enigmas of Mountains for People and Planet,” boasts contributions from 60 co-authors, each a luminary in their respective fields, representing the six premier universities of the HKH region. A veritable tour de force, this book promises to be a seminal work for those who have an academic, scientific, or practical interest in mountains.
Funded by the United States Government through the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), this project aimed to enlighten and enrich the education of sustainable mountain development, by empowering curricula and strengthening capacities. Participating universities included luminaries from the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush.
This seminal work takes the reader on a captivating journey through the various facets of mountains, including their classification, current status, and future prospects for conservation.
Comprising 14 chapters, organized under three broad themes – Physical Landscapes and Concomitant Challenges, Life and Riches, and Governance, Markets, and Shared Prosperity – this book promises to be a fount of knowledge for all who seek to understand the secrets of the peaks.
Intended to serve as a cornerstone course in the mountain universities of the HKH region or in similar geographical settings, this book is an indispensable resource, brimming with over 650 references and a plethora of visual aids, offering an in-depth look into the Asian highlands and their grandeur. The book was launched with great fanfare, in the presence of Vice Chancellors from partner universities, senior academicians, USEFP representatives, and students.
Gilgit-Baltistan
The Gilgit region, nestled in the northern reaches of Pakistan, is a landlocked wonderland of breathtaking natural beauty. Home to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya range, Gilgit is a veritable treasure trove of natural riches and a hub for mountain research and study.
This region is particularly renowned for its glaciers, which are among the largest and most significant in the world. These glaciers not only serve as a vital source of freshwater for the region, but also play a crucial role in regulating regional and global climate patterns.
The region’s diverse landscape and abundant resources have made it a critical area for the study of sustainable mountain development. And, now, the Karakoram International University (KIU) in Gilgit has added to the world’s understanding of this magnificent region with the publication of their seminal work, “Mountain Studies: Unraveling the Enigmas of Mountains for People and Planet.”
This book is a comprehensive study of the many aspects of mountains, including their geography, ecosystems, and impact on the communities that call them home. By offering a wealth of knowledge and insights, it serves as an invaluable resource for those interested in better understanding and conserving this unique and important region.
