The inauguration event brought together dignitaries from the Governments of Nepal and India, the Group on Earth Observation, USAID, researchers and scientists from the region and abroad, policy-makers.
In its introduction Andreas Schild, Director-General of ICIMOD, expressed his anticipation of the event. Describing ICIMOD’s mandate he emphasized the role of ICIMOD’s contribution in three crucial ways: by focusing on the mountain perspective, catering to niches ignored by other players and cater to the needs of the various stakeholders around the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region. While acknowledging the rising impact and responsibility ICIMOD is carrying, also with the inauguration of SERVIR Himalaya he encouraged the participants: “We cannot play this role unless you are helping us – do not limit yourselves in looking solely at the opportunities, but identify the applications.”
The inaugural address was delivered by Rt. Honourable Subash Chandra Nembang, The Constituent Assembly Chairman, Government of Nepal. He emphasized the topicality of the issue. The government had been making conscious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and in that context cooperated on a regional and international level. “Nepal is extremely vulnerable to both natural and human-induced climate change. As a developing country we are highly affected by changes in the monsoon patterns, the glaciers and our biodiversity. However, ICIMOD’s promotion of regional cooperation and international connections, for instance to NASA, will help improve our ability to take sound environmental decisions.”
Kevin Rushing, USAID, Nepal, addressed the distinguished audience: “We are improving our capacities and in strong need of your data, not only on what is happening, but also where it is happening. So many areas are affected, poverty, diseases, conflicts, biodiversity, food and security, access to natural resources, schools – if we know the locations, we can design our programs in such a meaningful way.”
Mr Michel Jarraud of the World Meteorological Organisation addressed the assembly through a video message and expressed his wish for increased cooperation with ICIMOD. The keynote speaker Prof. José Achache gave an overview over the international cooperation on geo-spatial data that has been so successful ever since the inception of GEOSS in 2007 and advocated the adherence to the GEO data sharing principles, at least amongst the ten GEO members.
Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Environment and Forests, Government of India conveyed his enthusiastic message to build closer partnerships with Nepal and institutions like ICIMOD. In a rare event of a State Minister’s visit to Nepal his plea for cooperation was well-received by the audience.He announced the Indian government’s plan to start new satellites to observing climatic changes and forest cover changes. “We are setting up a new national institute of glaciology and are giving two fellowships to Nepali researchers under 35 years old.” He further alluded to future problems of water reduction and natural resources in forest areas. “We take our responsibilities very seriously. Although we did not cause global warming we want o be part of the solutions.” A first step is this year’s publication of the 2007 Climate Change inventory, as one of the first countries in the world.
Chairperson, Mr. Prasad Sharma, Minister of Environment, Nepal, closed the session by extending his congrats for the timely symposium, which is an “important milestone to synergize international benefits.” Basanta Shrestha, MENRIS Division Head, in his vote of thanks addressed all the speakers and reminded them of their common goal that had brought them together on that day, “to bring the benefits of Earth Observation to the mountain communities in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region”. Mr. Shrestha further welcomed the presence of representatives from all eight member countries’ space agencies and closed the session with a special round of applause to the youngest members of the conference, who are taking part in a week-long workshop. “You will be ambassadors of what you learn here and we wish that the knowledge and awareness will affect your networks and your actions.”
