The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region provides water, ecosystem services, and the basis for livelihoods to a population of around 240 million people in the region. The forces of climate change and globalisation are wreaking havoc on this fragile global asset, threatening biodiversity, communities and cultural heritage.
Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development is a leading intergovernmental knowledge and learning centre to enable the diverse countries and communities of the HKH to transition to greener, more inclusive and climate resilient development. Capacity development is core to ICIMOD’s strategy, aiming to “enhance the understanding, awareness, skills, and capabilities of relevant institutions, partners, and communities” across the organisation’s eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
In 2024-2025, CIDT was commissioned to conduct an independent evaluation of ICIMOD’s capacity development approaches and outcomes.
CIDT used a tailored mixed methods approach combining surveys and interviews targeting over 600 participants, as well as focused case studies in Bhutan and Nepal. The evaluation explored ICIMOD’s Cryosphere Monitoring Programme to enhance comprehension of glaciers, snow, and permafrost processes as well as the Atmosphere Initiative to reduce air pollution in the HKH region through the implementation of effective policies.
The evaluation provided critical insights into ICIMOD’s capacity development interventions and practical recommendations to define the Capability Pathway of its Strategy 2030 and shape future work in this area.