Explanation:

Only statements 1&2 are correct.

Recently the experts from The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) called for ‘bold action’ and ‘urgent finance’ to prevent collapse of nature in High Mountain Asia.

• The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

• Significance – 4 of the world’s 36 global biodiversity hotspots are in this region.

• 2 of the global 200 eco regions, 575 Protected Areas, 335 important bird areas are located in this region.

• It has the highest mountain ranges in the world, the largest volume of ice on Earth outside the Polar Regions and holds all or parts of 4 global biodiversity hotspots supporting diverse flora and fauna.

• Water flowing from these mountains feeds major rivers includes the Brahmaputra, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Mekong, Yangtse, and Yellow.

• 75% of the original biodiversity has been lost over the last century and yet 85% of mountain communities remain dependent on this biodiversity, for food, water, flood control and cultural identity.

• The Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment Programme (HIMAP) is an initiative of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

• Distribution – It stretches 3,500 kilometres and spans 8 countries and is home to most of the snow and ice on Earth outside the poles. The 8 countries are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan.

• It stretches across all the bordering countries of India (China, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Myanmar).

• It comprises of mountain ranges such as the Tian Shan, Kunlun Shan, Pamir, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas.

• It is the ‘Water Tower of Asia’ that provides essential ecosystem services such as clean water for a third of the world’s population.

• It is estimated to be warming at nearly 2 times the average rate of warming in the Northern Hemisphere.

Hence option 2nd is correct.