SIAS research forum is the multifaceted forum where the researchers have an opportunity to present their research works either completed or ongoing so as to update, inform, share and improve their work. It was initiated with the objective to update research activities and progress of different ongoing projects of SIAS, and to share further planning of the project among the SIAS members with rigorous discussion. It is also a good platform where cross-learning of the projects of SIAS is possible. The first SIAS research Forum was organized on 12 June 2014 which after being halted for more than couple of years has been again revived on dated 11th of March 2017. The objective of the forum is to critically discuss on research activities and insights of research projects conducted by SIAS.
Research Forum IV
Research Forum IV was organized on 11th March 2017 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Roshan Man Bajracharya. Following three were the presenters and the topics of their presentation were:
- Conflict and Cooperation over REDD+ in Mexico, Nepal and Vietnam (CoCooR) Who exactly benefits from REDD+? Assessing dynamics of social differentiation and impacts of REDD+ projects in Nepal (Paper under draft)
By Gyanu Maskey
Her talk was based on the study of who are the real beneficiaries of REDD+ in the face of existing social differentiation such as class, caste/ethnicity, gender, etc. She briefed about position of Nepal in REDD+ and about the local and national level conflict that emerges from the REDD+. Some of the findings of the study were: Women, Indigenous people (IP), Dalit and Poor are provided with direct benefits such as trainings, livelihood improvement activities, renewable energy technologies and other indirect benefits such as awareness raising, capacity building, etc. Among the beneficiaries, Dalit group seem to have received minimum benefits in comparison to women and IPs. Overall, REDD+ pilot programs has positive impact on the community for forest conservation, improved governance, however, few challenges still remain intact such as- multiple benefits for same household, boundary conflict, access of benefits to Dalits, etc.
- Recharge Pond as an Innovative CAEWMPS: Revitalizing Drying Springs in Dhulikhel
By Kamal Devkota
The presentation was focused on the aspects of recharge pond that has been selected as a climate adaptive and equitable water management practices. He highlighted on the types of recharge pond, its benefits and strategy on making recharge ponds. He updated about the field study on monitoring the flow of spring water in Dhulikhel.
- Exploring Climate Adaptive Water Management strategies for Sustainable Urban Water in Dharan, Nepal
By Kaustuv Raj Neupane
Mr. Neupane presented about the journey of exploration of climate adaptive water management strategies (CAEWMPS) in Dharan, Nepal. He briefed about the critical urban water zones, demand supply deficit, environmental, socio cultural, economic and political context. With the series of stakeholders consultation workshops, discussion forums, interviews few major CAEWMPS were devised which were as follows-
- Establishing Incentivizing mechanism for ground Water recharge system
- Establishing Incentivizing mechanism of ecosystem services in Shardu Watershed
- Institutional arrangement of Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring,
- Conservation of Small Springs in the town,
- Awareness for Water Wise Communities