Pune, Dec 12 ( UNI) To mark International Mountain Day, celebrated annually with a theme announced by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Giripremi today organized two special programmes highlighting mountain protection, glacier conservation, and environmental awareness.
This year has been declared the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with the theme, The Role of Glaciers in Mountain Ecosystems for Water, Food, and Livelihoods.
In response to rapidly melting glaciers due to climate change, Giripremi launched a conclave and exhibition, titled " Frozen Lifelines” to raise public awareness.
The event featured discussions with eminent experts on the future of glaciers, climate impacts, and sustainable solutions. Prof. (Dr.) Nitin Karmalkar, former Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University and noted geologist, was the chief guest.
The keynote address was delivered by glaciology researcher Krishnanand of IISER Pune. Other speakers included Dr. Avinash Kandekar, professor and veteran mountaineer, and Ms. Prachi Shevgaonkar, founder and CEO of the Cool the Globe app.
The English edition of Shikharratna Kangchenjunga, co-authored by Umesh Zirpe and Bhushan Harshe, chronicling the 2019 Kanchenjunga expedition, also released in the presence of publisher Rohan Champanerkar of Rohan Publications.
Giripremi additionally organized a Glacier Photography Competition, receiving over 100 entries nationwide. Winners were felicitated during the programme to encourage public awareness and appreciation of glaciers, the statement added. UNI SP SS