The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH* region, often referred to as the "Third Pole," supports over 240 million people in the mountains and 1.65 billion people downstream. It is home to vast biodiversity and critical ecosystems, including the world’s largest ice reserves outside the polar regions. The HKH also sustains Asia’s primary food-producing river systems. However, the region faces significant challenges, such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and water scarcity, which threaten agriculture, tourism, and overall resilience. There is also a considerable gap in climate finance, and local entrepreneurs lack the resources to drive green, sustainable innovations.

To address these issues, GRP and ICIMOD, with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), have launched the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH-ICE). This initiative aims to foster local innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting scalable solutions that address ecological, market, and value chain challenges throughout the region.

The challenge seeks to empower entrepreneurs from Bhutan, Bangladesh (specifically the Chittagong Hill Tracts), India (from Himalayan states), and Nepal to develop innovative, climate-resilient solutions in the agriculture, water security, and sustainable tourism sectors. It will support initiatives that tap into the region's untapped potential for sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation, while addressing the urgent need for climate adaptation and resilience.

Focus Areas
We are looking for innovative, scalable solutions that strengthen resilience for both communities and ecosystems across the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Possible initiatives may focus on:

1. Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature: Supporting agricultural entrepreneurs in addressing the impacts of climate change on mountain agriculture, promoting biodiversity, and creating market opportunities for niche products and non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
2. Water Security and Resilience: Developing solutions to combat water scarcity, improve water access and services, and mitigate the effects of glacial melt, urbanization, and population growth.
3. Climate-Resilient Solutions for Sustainable Tourism: Creating new, sustainable tourism models that benefit local communities while preserving the fragile ecosystems of the mountains.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 29 November 2024 , 23:59 GMT. Notifications: Shortlisted applicants will be notified in January 2025

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply now.