KATHMANDU, Dec 13: The South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) just celebrated 25 years of impactful work. To mark this milestone, an international conference titled “Development, Environment, and Mountains” began on Friday in Lalitpur, showcasing over 70 research presentations.
Experts from around the globe are tackling major issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. They’re focusing on the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, noted for its vulnerability to environmental shifts. The conference emphasizes the problems facing mountain ecosystems and local communities.
Sessions explore vital topics such as biodiversity finance, forest restoration, and climate adaptation strategies. Considering that the HKH region has faced rising temperatures over the past few decades—by an average of 0.6°C since the 1970s—finding sustainable solutions is more urgent than ever.
SANDEE, a key body under the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), has trained thousands of researchers and policymakers from ten South Asian and HKH countries. The event, titled “SANDEE at 25,” highlights both its past achievements and the pressing environmental crises the region faces now.
ICIMOD Director General Pema Gyamtsho stated, “SANDEE has become a vital community for this region. It has changed how South Asia views the connection between poverty, development, and environmental sustainability.” This shift is crucial as 55% of the region’s population lives on less than $1.90 a day, making economic sustainability a pressing concern.
On the first day, Professor Partha Dasgupta from the University of Cambridge delivered a keynote on “Natural Capital and Sustainable Development.” He pointed out that SANDEE’s model has encouraged cross-border collaboration in research, tackling issues that might have been overlooked otherwise.
Over these 25 years, SANDEE has created a robust network of more than 2,000 alumni who are now influential in their fields, from vice-chancellors to government advisers. Their contributions are vital for informed policymaking across nations like India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka, as they face increasingly complex environmental policies.
Dr. Mani Nepal, SANDEE’s senior program coordinator, emphasized the importance of investing in this network. “For 25 years, we’ve equipped researchers with the tools to analyze environmental issues. Today, this community is essential for regional policymaking.” His insights highlight an ongoing commitment to tackling future environmental challenges, especially as regions face increasing natural disasters linked to climate change.
The conference also launched a commemorative volume, “SANDEE at 25 – Advancing Environmental Economics Research and Education in South Asia,” capturing the network’s journey and significant contributions.
