Glaciers play a very important role in the Earth's climate and water cycle. 68% of the planet's fresh water is trapped in snow, ice and glaciers, which make up the Earth's cryosphere. With global warming, glaciers, which hold about 2% of the Earth's water,they melt and retreat and in general the cryosphere is shrinking very rapidly, with serious implications for the climate, the environment, the maintenance of human well-being and health and sustainable development.Already, phenomena such as a decrease in agricultural production, water scarcity and a rise in average sea levels are being observed in some places. The United Nations initiative to declare 2025 the International Year of Glaciers aims to highlight the importance of glaciers in the planet's climate balance,as well as the economic, social and environmental impacts of upcoming changes in the Earth's cryosphere. It emphasizes the urgent need for actions and sustainable measures to protect glaciers, through transboundary cooperation and integrated management at all levels.