About MoChWo

Mountains in the Changing World (MoChWo) is a flagship international scientific conference series organized by the Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences (KIAS), Nepal. Designed as a vibrant and interdisciplinary platform, MoChWo brings together researchers, academics, students, practitioners, and policymakers from Nepal and globally to discuss pressing mountain-related issues through interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange.

A brief history of MoChWo

The inaugural MoChWo conference took place on October 1–2, 2016, in Kathmandu, Nepal, under the theme “Living through Disasters: Mitigation, Adaptation and Resilience.” It attracted over 150 participants from 10 countries, with 110 scientific presentations highlighting disaster preparedness and climate resilience in mountain regions.

In 2017, the second MoChWo conference focused on “Air Pollution: Mechanisms and Consequences”, hosting 200 participants and 108 presentations that addressed transboundary air pollution and regional air quality.

MoChWo-2016

MoChWo-2017

MoChWo-2024

The 2018 edition explored “Conserving Biodiversity: Challenges for the Mountains in the Anthropocene”, with 220 participants from 15 countries and over 110 scientific works, spotlighting biodiversity loss and ecosystem vulnerability in mountain landscapes.

The fourth MoChWo conference, held on October 18–19, 2019, focused on “Understanding Hydroclimatic Systems for Sustainable Livelihoods“. The conference welcomed 259 participants from countries including Nepal, the Netherlands, France, China, USA, Cyprus, India, Singapore, and Poland, with 127 research papers.

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, MoChWo transitioned to a fully virtual format with a major theme on “Mountain Resources and Livelihood: Path to Sustainable Development“. Held on October 8–9, it drew 420 registered participants from 16 countries, featured 27 invited speakers, 7 symposia, 13 special sessions, and a virtual poster session.

Due to the global pandemic, MoChWo was not held in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The conference resumed in 2024 with its 6th edition, focused on “Resilience in the Himalayas: Navigating Climate Challenges, Disaster Preparedness, and Sustainable Hydropower Development.” This return was warmly welcomed by the regional and international scientific community. Around 140 participants from seven countries convened to discuss climate change, biodiversity, pollution, food security, disaster resilience, and women’s leadership. Of 120+ submissions, 85 were presented through 71 oral talks, 14 posters, five virtual presentations, and two panel discussions across seven symposia and nine sessions.

Why should you join?


MoChWo offers a unique and inspiring platform to engage with global experts and contribute to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing mountain regions, especially in the context of climate change and sustainability. Whether you’re a scientist, student, policymaker, or practitioner, MoChWo connects you to a vibrant, interdisciplinary community committed to advancing research, dialogue, and action for mountain development.

For researchers, it’s an opportunity to present your work, receive constructive feedback, and collaborate across disciplines, including climate science, biodiversity, disaster resilience, and sustainable resource management. For students and early-career professionals, MoChWo provides invaluable exposure to leading-edge science, mentoring opportunities, and networking with established scholars and practitioners.

By participating in MoChWo, you become part of a global effort to generate knowledge, influence policy, and drive innovative solutions that protect mountain ecosystems and uplift the lives of mountain communities.


At MoChWo, you can:

📢 Present your research to an international, multidisciplinary audience
🎓 Learn from leading experts in environment, policy, and applied sciences
🤝 Engage in meaningful cross-sector and cross-disciplinary dialogue
🌱 Contribute to sustainable and resilient mountain development
🌍 Network with peers, collaborators, and global decision-makers
💡 Be inspired—and inspire others—with innovations for mountain communities