Brief

Glacier Tourism in a Changing Climate: Balancing Conservation and Community Development

Policy recommendations for promoting sustainable tourism that can reduce glacier degradation and benefit local communities.

Publication Date: 18 Dec 2025

Authors: Jian Pu Ritika Rajput Yasushi Katsuma Geetha Mohan Martiwi Diah Setiawati Kensuke Fukushi

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Photo: UN Photo/Mark Garten

This policy brief explores the interconnected impacts of climate change and tourism on glaciers and their surrounding ecosystems and communities. It identifies practical approaches for more sustainable forms of glacier tourism, calling for coordinated policy action, stronger local engagement and integrated governance to ensure long-term resilience and equitable development in glacier-dependent regions.

Highlights

While glacier tourism can contribute to the development of local communities, glaciers are under increasing threat from climate change. Balanced policies that promote sustainable tourism can reduce glacier degradation and benefit local communities.

Recommendations

Promote eco-friendly glacier tourism by managing visitor behaviour and minimizing environmental impacts
Invest in eco-tourism to secure ongoing funding for glacier conservation and local economic benefits
Involve local communities in planning and conservation to strengthen tourism resilience and support equitable development
Enhance monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance with sustainable tourism practices
Strengthen climate adaptation and resilience to safeguard glacier tourism from climate change impacts