16 Mar 2015 | Atmosphere Initiative

ICIMOD strengthens collaboration with national science academy

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A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) on 16 February 2015. The agreement aims to foster collaboration and closer partnership in promoting science and technology to contribute to sustainable mountain development in Nepal and beyond. The initial activities under the collaboration focus on promoting research and capacity building through joint atmospheric science activities. Prof. Jibaraj Pokharel, Vice Chancellor of NAST and Dr David Molden, Director General of ICIMOD, signed the MoU at the ICIMOD headquarters. Dr Eklabya Sharma, Director of Programme Operations at ICIMOD, Shekhar Shah, Acting Secretary of NAST, and other ICIMOD staff of the atmosphere initiative were also present during the signing ceremony.

The MoU recognizes the need for a common approach and methodology to carry out research for the benefit of people in the mountains and downstream areas.

Under this MoU, both parties have agreed to promote research and capacity building through joint atmospheric science activities and their application. They have also agreed to establish and operate an in-situ atmospheric observation site(s) and undertake numerical modeling and remote sensing based analysis. They will jointly carry out data analysis and bring out scientific publications, knowledge products and policy briefs, as well as engage in activities related to mitigation technology through NAST and NAST-Renewable Energy Testing Station (RETS).