-Manashree Newa
10 April, Kathmandu - The International Conference on "Water, Environment and Climate Change: Knowledge Sharing and Partnership" kicked off on 10th April 2018 at Hotel Yak and Yeti. Rt. Hon. Vice President Nanda Kishor Pun, Democratic Federal Republic of Nepal, inaugurated the conference.
The 3-days conference has a gathering of many experts, professionals, academia, researchers and young graduates. Various researches under the sector of water, environment and climate change will be presented in this conference. There are altogether 116 oral presentations and 41 poster presentations. The paper and poster presentation are from various universities, governmental, non-governmental and international organizations.
The first day, i.e. 10th April started with plenary session on Sustainable Development Goals; Environment and Climate Change: Global Regional and national Perspectives. In the afternoon, two parallel plenary sessions were conducted on the topics of i) Water and ii) Environment and Climate Change. After this, four parallel sessions covered the fields of i) Water Resource and Sustainable Development ii) Technological Trend in Wastewater Management iii) Climate Change Impact on Water Environment iv) Sustainable Water Resources Development in Asia Region.
Apart from this, there were exhibition, showcasing the works and products of many organizations and companies. GUTHI, IRHA, Kanchan Nepal, Niva Rain and Smart Paani collaboratively promoted about rainwater harvesting, Sky Water Filter, and wastewater treatment systems. There were many people interested in the system, proving the effectiveness of presentation. Hari Shova Gurung from SNV said, "The Sky Water Filter seems to be really nice and easily applicable system. I have gutters and well in my home. I am very interested to install one at my home."
In a question asked to the international delegates about their part caption to the conference; David Vargas, President, Isla Urbana Mexico said,” I want to listen to different stories on rainwater harvesting from people of different countries- from China, Nepal, India, Korea, and many other countries. At the same time, I am also excited to share my story, experiences and works from Mexico”.
Dr. Namrata Pathak, Director/ Scientist F, Ministry of Science and Technology shared, “I am presenting on the "Quality Aspects of Collected and Stored Rainwater". From the conference, I mainly want to learn how ownership towards the installed rainwater harvesting systems have been implemented in different countries."
It indeed gave all the participants good fellowship opportunities. Ideas were discussed, researches were shared and suggestions were passed on, giving an excellent platform to learn and grow, while working to conserve the environment with a collective effort.