Conference on Mitigation of Open Agricultural Burning in the Wider Himalayan Region, Kathmandu, Nepal

Two CCAC partners – the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) – will be hosting a conference to gather information on where and when open agricultural burning is taking place in the Himalayan region, identify ways the burning could be reduced (and the barriers to doing so), identify key actors and stakeholders as well as establish partnerships, and help in raising regional awareness of the impacts and importance of open burning and the general work of the CCAC in the region.

The conference is the second step in a project sponsored by the CCAC to develop concrete options for reducing emissions from open burning near regions of snow and ice (the cryosphere) that would yield a combination of benefits to crop yields, human health and potentially, to the regional climate and nearby glaciers. The project aims to design at least two on-the-ground, pilot projects in the region where alternative methods to burning will be demonstrated.

The conference venue will be the Godavari Village Resort just outside Kathmandu. Registration can be done at the conference web site, where further information on the arrangements will be made available. A block of rooms have been reserved at Godavari Village resort for a reduced price, but travel and hotel arrangements should be made directly by the participants.

A limited amount of travel support is available for some participants, particularly agricultural experts, including farmers with limited funds for travel. Please indicate when registering if you need economic support. There is no conference fee.

Please also indicate if you are prepared to give a presentation under agenda item 5, Short presentations by participants on national or regional assessments and data on open burning.

Dr. Svante Bodin, ICCI, (e-mail svante [at] iccinet.org) and Dr. Arnico Panday, ICIMOD, (e-mail arnico.panday [at] icimod.org) can also provide more detailed information on the conference and the open burning project.