Abstract ID: 3.11860 | Withdrawn | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Mountain ecosystems are susceptible to challenges such as drought stress, soil degradation and water scarcity owing to erratic precipitation, glacial retreat and extreme weather conditions. These factors subsequently threaten agriculture, forestry and biodiversity, making it crucial to develop sustainable water management solutions. Drought stress, in particular, poses a severe threat to the long-term sustainability of mountain ecosystems, impacting food security, forest health, and local livelihoods. This study explores the use of green, natural polymer-based hydrogels as a sustainable strategy to mitigate drought stress in mountain regions. Hydrogels, known for their exceptional water absorption and retention properties, can significantly improve soil moisture availability, reduce plant water stress and enhance vegetation resilience in mountain environments. By utilizing biodegradable and eco-friendly hydrogels, this research seeks to connect laboratory advancements with real-world applications in mountain agriculture, forestry and ecosystem restoration. While hydrogels have been widely studied under controlled lab conditions, their large-scale deployment in high-altitude environments remains limited. This study facilitates the transition from research to practice by evaluating biodegradable hydrogel performance in real field conditions. A key focus of this research is the development and testing of these novel green hydrogels derived from bamboo-based cellulose, assessing their effectiveness under the unique climatic conditions of mountain ecosystems—including high-altitude stress, unpredictable rainfall, and fragile soil structures. The findings will highlight the potential of green hydrogel technology as a cost-effective, scalable solution for enhancing climate resilience in drought-prone mountain regions. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, farmers and conservationists, advocating for the integration of hydrogel-based water management strategies into sustainable mountain development initiatives. By fostering resilience in vulnerable mountain communities, this work contributes to broader environmental sustainability and climate adaptation goals. Further research is recommended to optimize hydrogel formulations and assess their long-term ecological impact on mountain ecosystems.