The waters of the third pole : The sources of threat, the sources of survival

This report aims to open up a dialogue on water challenges in the Hindu-Kush Himalaya region, an issue that could put the lives and livelihoods of millions of people at risk in the foreseeable future. The region, referred to by some as the "third pole" because it contains the largest area of frozen water outside the polar regions, is the source of ten major river systems that together provide water for 1.3 billion people – over 20% of the world's population. This regional water system is already under considerable stress and could be involved in future crises such as disputes over dams and river diversions, floods, water shortages and contamination.