KATHMANDU, Dec 11 – Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, widely known as Prachanda, marked the 23rd International Mountain Day on Thursday with a call for stronger global action on climate change, warning that melting glaciers and fragile mountain ecosystems pose severe risks to countries like Nepal.

“Mountains are invaluable treasures of nature, providing water, forests, biodiversity, and livelihoods to millions,” Prachanda said in a statement. “But climate change is accelerating glacier melt and destabilizing ecosystems, leading to floods, droughts, soil erosion and food insecurity in developing nations.”

This year’s theme, “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods,” underscores the urgency of the climate crisis, he added. Nepal, with more than 80 percent of its territory in mountainous terrain, faces heightened risks from glacial retreat and erratic river flows.

Prachanda recalled initiatives taken during his party’s leadership in government, including raising mountain ecology and climate issues at national and international forums. He cited Nepal’s role in highlighting climate justice at COP28 and efforts to build a “united mountain voice” among Himalayan nations.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ recent visit to Nepal was “important and inspiring,” Prachanda said, noting that Nepal continues to appeal for international funding to support mountain conservation, climate adaptation, and mitigation.