World Water Day 2025: Preservation of the Ruwenzori Mountains Glaciers

Focused on "The Preservation of the Ruwenzori Mountains Glaciers" the theme of World Water Day, the workshop organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment saw the participation of around twenty experts in climatology, hydrology, and environmental governance.

At the heart of the discussions was the importance of the Ruwenzori glaciers for water management and the definition of concrete actions to raise collective awareness about their preservation in the face of climate change challenges, while integrating the process of achieving SDG 6 by 2030.

View of the workshop

UNESCO

Located in the North Kivu province, near the border between DRC and Uganda, the Ruwenzori Mountains glaciers are among the last tropical glaciers in the world and play a crucial role in the regional hydrological cycle. For UNESCO, they contribute to ecological balance and are essential for the millions of people who depend on their resources.

Family photo of activity participants

UNESCO

During the workshop, participants highlighted:

• The role of glaciers in regulating the water cycle, especially in the Semliki and Nyamwamba rivers, and the climate.
• The significant biodiversity supported by the ecosystems dependent on these glaciers.
• The impact of global warming on the accelerated melting of these glaciers over the past decades.
• Their contribution to the cultural and spiritual activities of communities.