In the face of a rapidly changing climate, communities in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan are taking matters into their own hands with an ancient, yet innovative, solution: glacier grafting. This practice, known locally as Gang Khswa, is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of these communities as they combat water scarcity and adapt to a warming world.
The Art of Glacier Grafting
Glacier grafting is a fascinating and intricate process, almost like a marriage ceremony for glaciers. Local communities collect ice from male and female glaciers, transporting it to a carefully selected site to create a new, artificial glacier. The male glacier, with its grey color and debris, is paired with the female glacier, which is lighter and purer, to create a union that will eventually provide a reliable water source.
The ideal grafting site is a challenging environment, requiring an altitude of at least 4,000 meters, high permafrost levels, and specific wind and sunlight exposure. It's a delicate balance, and the process is not without its challenges. The ice must be kept moving continuously, never touching the ground, and the entire journey can take up to 48 hours.
A Tradition Rooted in History and Mythology
Glacier grafting is not just a practical solution; it's deeply rooted in local tradition and mythology. The practice is believed to date back to the 14th century, with historical accounts attributing the first glacier graft to the Persian Sufi saint Mir Syed Ali Hamadani. It's a tradition passed down orally, intertwined with spiritual rituals and folk lullabies.
The myths surrounding glacier grafting are intriguing. Carrying the ice at night, maintaining silence during transport, and not seeing the 'baby' glacier for at least two years are all part of the process. While these beliefs may seem superstitious, they serve a practical purpose, ensuring the ice is protected and the process is carried out with respect and care.
Preserving Heritage and Engaging Youth
The Baltistan Culture & Development Foundation (BCDF) is dedicated to preserving this ancient practice and engaging the youth in its revival. With funding from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the foundation has been able to expand its projects, grafting glaciers and building ice towers to store water. However, the challenge of youth migration to urban areas threatens the continuity of this tradition.
Zeashan Abbas, team leader at Siachen Sherpa, a youth-led initiative, highlights the importance of empowering young people to see themselves as solution-finders rather than victims of climate change. He believes that combining Indigenous knowledge with modern science and technology can bridge the gap and ensure the survival of practices like glacier grafting.
A Global Issue with Local Impact
Pakistan's Third Pole glaciers are vital, irrigating 90% of agricultural land and sustaining over 220 million people. Yet, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Pakistan is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The melting of these glaciers due to rising temperatures has created hazardous conditions, with the potential for devastating floods.
The recent glacial collapse in Nepal and Tibet is a stark reminder of the growing risks. While glacier collapses can be natural, they are increasingly driven by human-induced climate change. This highlights the urgent need for global action and support for communities like those in Gilgit-Baltistan, who are on the front lines of climate change.
Conclusion
Glacier grafting is a powerful example of how local communities can take ownership of their environmental challenges and find innovative solutions. It's a practice that combines ancient wisdom with modern understanding, and it deserves recognition and support. As Dr. Zakir Hussain Zakir said, 'We have to contribute to nature, to the climate, to the environment. It would be unjust if we didn't.' This sentiment reflects a deeper connection to the land and a responsibility to future generations.
