Riparian governance

South Asia’s priority must be conserving the Himalayan region that sustains its rivers.

As we edge dangerously close to crossing planetary boundaries, it is crucial to recognise water’s central role—not just as a life-sustaining resource but also as a trigger for conflicts that can escalate into wars. Rapid changes in the hydrological cycle, originating from the cryosphere, are intensifying and cascading down to impact human security in profound ways. Our dependence on water for sustaining ecosystems and human livelihoods means that any steady decline in its availability will set off a cascade of actions and reactions, greatly affecting how nations plan and perceive security.