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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 30 April 2024

BHADERWAH: Weeklong International Workshop on ‘Himalaya in the Anthropocene: Addressing the Climate Crisis’ commences at Bhaderwah Campus today. The workshop is being jointly organized by Institute of Mountain Environment (IME), Bhaderwah Campus, Department of Environmental Studies, PGDAV(M) College, and Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Mountain and Hill Environment, University of Delhi, New Delhi from April 27 - May 05, 2024.

The distinguished participants include faculty and students from Higher School of Economics, Saint Petersburg, Russia, along withthe faculty members from the Department of Environmental Studies, PGDAV College, and the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies on Mountain and Hill Environment, University of Delhi, New Delhi.

Prof. Jasbir Singh, Officiating Rector Bhaderwah Campus and Director, Kishtwar Campus, and the Chief Guest at the inaugural celebration, appreciated the participation of faculty members and researchers from HSE, St. Petersburg, Russia, PGDAV College, New Delhi, and CISMAH, Delhi University. He underlined the importance of a transdisciplinary approach while dealing with global issues such as climate change. He invited representatives from all the partner institutes to work together to identify such issues, develop strategies to tackle them, and create an action plan to share with policymakers at the transboundary level.   

Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Co-Convenor of the workshop, while introducing the theme, stated that human actions have shaped the Himalayan region and contributed to the climate crisis and the effects of climate change in the Indian Himalayan region are profound and far-reaching. Involving Russian counterparts brings in diverse perspectives and expertise, which can enrich the discussions and potentially lead to innovative solutions, he said.

The participants will be exposed to the socio-ecological dynamics of Lesser and Greater Himalayas in the Upper Chenab catchment where they will interact with the local and nomadic communities till May 05, 2024.Later, he presented the profile of the Institute of Mountain Environment, demonstrating the accomplishments, IME has made in research and scientific outreachover a decade.Short videos on the wildlife of the Jammu Shiwaliks and the flying mountain jewels captivated the audience.

Prof.AlexandaNikolaevich Sorokin, Dean HSE Campus St. Petersburg, Russia highlighted the transboundary environmental issues and their implications for mountain ecosystems worldwide. The issues, such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and climate change, often transcend political boundaries, necessitating international cooperation for efficient management and mitigation, he said. He invited Institute of Mountain Environment to collaborate with HSE, Russiain dealing with biodiversity monitoring viz-a-viz climate crisis. 

Prof. AlekseiBorisovich, a political scientist from HSE opined that climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and disproportionately affects the vulnerable communities. There is a need to jointly deal with the social, economic, and political dimensions of climate justice, advocating for policies that prioritize the needs of marginalized groups and ensure a just transition to a sustainable economy.

Sh. Vinod Sharma (JKPS), Superintendent of Policehighlighted the intricate linkages between environmental sustainability, social cohesion, and security. He underscored the importance of community engagement and proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change, particularly in vulnerable areas like the Himalayas.

Dr. Shayan Javeed from the Department of Economics presented the formal vote of thanks, marking the beginning of an enriching exchange of ideas and experiences. Dr. Shayan Javed extended gratitude to Rector Bhaderwah Campus, Prof. J P Singh Joorel, for his unwavering support and dedication in ensuring the success of the initiative. Dr. Javed highlighted Prof. Joorel's instrumental role in facilitating the collaborative efforts that led to the workshop's fruition, underscoring his commitment to advancing research and academic excellence in the field of mountain environment studies.

Dr. Chhering Tandup, Head, Department of Geography, IME will lead the field trips and public interactions. Others present among included Dr. Pardeep Singh, Convenor of the workshop, the heads of all the teaching departments, faculty members, Assistant Registrar, External Relations Officer, researchers from IME and members from press and electronic media.