A four-member delegation from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Forestry Centre, Thimpu, visited the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) today.
The delegation, headed by Dr. Sangay Wangchuk, director, SAARC Forestry Centre, held discussions with ICFRE officials to address the concerns regarding the management of natural resources in the SAARC countries.
The major issues were the need for forestry research to address livelihood issues as well as multilateral environmental issues, including hydrological studies and impact of climate change on Himalayan ecosystems.
The discussions brought out the need for collaborative research on aspects such as valuation of ecosystems goods and services, forest hydrology, impact vulnerability and adaption of Himalayan ecosystems to climate change and preservation of biodiversity. Besides, the speakers also felt a strong need to establish institutional linkages with educational and research institutes in the SAARC countries for exchange of knowledge and capacity building.
It was also discussed that a special issue of ‘Indian Forester’ focusing on issues concerning the management of natural resources in the SAARC countries would be brought out tentatively in December coinciding with the SAARC Charter day.
Apart from Dr. Sangay Wangchuk, director, SAARC Forestry Centre, the delegation comprised A.K. Lal, head, Passang Norbu and Chado Tshering. The delegation met Dr. V.K. Bahuguna, director general, ICFRE, and senior officers of the council.
