By Rinzin Wangchuk
Kathmandu. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has honoured three individuals from Bhutan and China with the Dr Andreas Schild Memorial Mountain Prize 2025 for their contributions to protecting fragile mountain ecosystems and strengthening resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH).
They were conferred awards on the eve of International Mountain Day on December 10 at ICIMOD headquarters in Kathmandu, Nepal. Gaciologist recognised for GLOF mitigation Head of the Cryosphere Services Division at the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), Karma Toeb, received the award for his pioneering work in mitigating the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
He was recognised for introducing and leading the test-phase operation of a siphoning system at Thorthormi Lake, located in the remote Lunana region’s elevation of over 4,500 metres above sea level, which ICIMOD described as “a proactive climate risk reduction initiative that translated glacier science into life-saving action.”
“This innovative use of siphon technology to safely lower water levels at one of Bhutan’s most dangerous glacial lakes has reduced risks to downstream communities, farmlands, roads, and hydropower facilities,” an ICIMOD official said.
The current siphon tests are aimed at determining whether gravity-driven flow can be applied at full scale in high-altitude conditions. Karma Toeb said the system is cost-effective, requires no external power, and can be built with minimal manpower—making it suitable for remote, hazardous areas.
However, he said the team faced technical challenges during testing, including uneven topography, pipe-valve mismatches, and a high apex point that reduced suction force. “We are working on design improvements, including using an external pump for initiation, matching valves to pipe sizes, and lowering the siphon apex,” he said.
Karma Toeb has worked on GLOF risk mitigation since 1997, spending more than two decades in high-altitude expeditions to Lunana and other glacier basins. He also led the manual lowering of Thorthormi Lake between 2008 and 2012 and published the Bhutan Glacial Lake Inventory 2021, which remains the country’s most comprehensive record of glacial lakes.
Receiving the award, Karma Toeb said:
“This is a great achievement for me because it is the first time such recognition has been given to a Bhutanese in the cryosphere field. Many people worked tirelessly behind the scenes. I only introduced the idea—its success depended on everyone.”
Rangeland reform leader honoured for empowering highland communities
The Director General of the National Land Commission Secretariat (NLCS), Geley Norbu, was recognised as a champion of rangeland reform for leading Bhutan’s transition toward equitable, climate-resilient governance of high-altitude grazing lands.
ICIMOD stated that his work “blends traditional knowledge with modern technology to secure land rights, reduce conflicts, and strengthen climate resilience for marginalised yak-herding communities.”
Under his leadership, rangelands were mapped and recognised as a distinct land-use category for the first time. Through a simple digital mapping app, highland herders were trained as “citizen surveyors,” mapping 5,130 parcels across 381,530 acres, improving tenure clarity and reducing long-standing disputes.
Receiving the award, Geley Norbu said the recognition “belongs not to the two of us alone, but to everyone who has guided, supported, and worked alongside us.”
“Our deepest respect goes to our highland communities—the yak herders, rangers, field officers, local leaders, and extension teams. Their resilience, humility, and wisdom are our greatest teachers,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to His Majesty The King, saying: “Whatever contribution we may have made has been possible only because we walk under His Majesty’s guidance.”
China’s pastoral restoration leader recognised
China’s conservation scientist Xinquan Zhao was also awarded for his work on grassland restoration and livelihood improvement in the Sanjiangyuan region. His initiative, Transformative Changes in Pastoralism, was cited as a model of “systemic innovation in alpine sustainability.”
ICIMOD highlights historic first for Bhutan
ICIMOD’s Director General, Pema Gyamtsho (PhD), said this year’s winners reflect “innovation, impact, and dedication to a resilient and equitable HKH.”
He said that although Bhutan has received multiple nominations in past years, the country had never won the award until now. “This is the first time two Bhutanese have won,” he said.
The Mountain Prize was established in 2018 and renamed in 2022 to honour the late Dr Andreas Schild, ICIMOD’s former Director General and a long-time champion of the HKH region. The award recognises individuals who advance sustainable mountain development and strengthen resilience in fragile highland systems.
In 2024, ICIMOD recognized two restoration heroes from China and Pakistan. They have made a significant and lasting impact on:
The restoration and conservation of water and mountain landscape and excellence in climate communication.
HUC transferred to Kathmandu University
Prior to the award ceremony, ICIMOD officially transferred the Himalaya University Consortium (HUC) Secretariat to Kathmandu University (KU). Founded in 2007, HUC has grown into a network of over 100 universities and academic institutions from within and beyond the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) dedicated to tackling the region’s toughest challenges.
