The Himalayas are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. This high vulnerability stems from the peculiar high mountain topography and from the higher than global average warming in the mountains including in the Himalayas. At the same time the Himalayas are the store house of the third highest amount of frozen water on earth and are therefore critical for the water security of the region.

For the purpose of enhanced understanding of the Himalayan ecosystem in context of climate change the NMSHE has taken up several initiates in partnership with various Himalayan States and institutions. Under NMSHE, State Climate Cells/Centers have been established in 11 out of the 12 Himalayan States for building institutional capacity of Himalayan States in the area of climate change adaptation. These centers are working on areas of climate vulnerability assessment, raising public awareness and training and capacity building for climate change adaptation planning.