International Conference on Cryosphere Change and Sustainable Development concludes at University of Jammu’s Bhaderwah campus

BHADERWAH: The two-day 3rd International Conference on “Change in Cryosphere and Impact on Ecosystem Services, Indigenous Knowledge System and Sustainable Development in the Indian Himalayan Region” organized by the Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Mountain Environment (IME), Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, concluded today with an insightful and impactful Valedictory Session. 

The conference, which brought together eminent scientists, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and environmental practitioners from across India and abroad, ended on a high note, reaffirming the need for sustained scientific collaboration and community-centric approaches to address the growing challenges of cryospheric change in the Himalayan region. 

The Chief Guest of the Valedictory Session, Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj, MLA Ramnagar, lauded Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, for hosting a conference of global relevance at a time when the Himalayas are witnessing rapid environmental transformations. He emphasized that scholarly research and field-based evidence must inform policy decisions to protect fragile mountain ecosystems.

Dr. Sunil Bhardwaj further emphasized that the Indian Himalayan Region stands at a critical juncture where rapid climatic shifts demand stronger policy interventions, grassroots participation, and continuous scientific monitoring. He highlighted that the insights generated during this conference should not remain confined to academic circles but must translate into actionable strategies that support both environmental conservation and livelihood security of the mountain communities. He assured all possible support in strengthening research-based initiatives that contribute to sustainable development across Jammu & Kashmir. 

At the outset, Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector, Bhaderwah Campus, delivered the Welcome Address. He expressed immense pride in hosting an event of such global significance at Bhaderwah Campus and highlighted the University of Jammu’s unwavering commitment to promoting high-quality research in mountain environments. Prof. Gupta emphasized that conferences like these strengthen the academic fabric of the region, encourage interdisciplinary learning, and provide young scholars an opportunity to interact with leading experts working on climate and cryosphere-related studies. He also appreciated the efforts of the organising team for their dedication in making the conference a meaningful academic endeavour. 

The Guest of Honour, Prof. Dipanker Sengupta, appreciated the organisers for creating a platform for young researchers, scholars, and students, particularly those from the Design Your Degree programme, to interact with distinguished scientists and gain a deeper understanding of cryosphere-linked ecological concerns. 

The Special Guest, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah, Shri Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, in his address, commended the organisers for bringing global scientific discourse to Bhaderwah—a region deeply connected with mountain ecology. He highlighted the importance of such conferences in shaping environmentally responsible citizens and called for stronger administrative-academic collaboration to safeguard the region’s ecological heritage. He further stressed that local communities must be empowered through awareness and scientific outreach to address climate-induced vulnerabilities effectively. 

The Valedictory Programme began with a formal welcome, followed by a brief report on the two-day deliberations presented by the Conference Convener, Dr. Chhering Tandup, who summarized the scientific discussions on glacial dynamics, climate variability, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable development pathways. 

Speakers across the panel echoed that, the Himalayan cryosphere is undergoing unprecedented changes that require urgent scientific attention, Indigenous knowledge systems hold immense value in designing sustainable development strategies, Institutions like Bhaderwah Campus play a pivotal role in fostering environmentally informed youth and promoting region-specific research and collaborative research, stakeholder participation, and policy integration are essential for ecological resilience in mountain regions. 

The Valedictory Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Shayan Javeed, Organizing Secretary of the Conference, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all resource persons, delegates, sponsoring agencies—including J&K Bank and Chenab Valley Power Projects participants, and the dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff of Bhaderwah Campus for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.