Fourth South Asia Water Research Conference
Interfacing Poverty, Livelihood and Climate Change in Water Resources Development: Lessons in South Asia
May 4-6, 2009
Kathmandu, Nepal
Co-organizers:
Nepal Engineering College
Changunaryan, Bhaktapur
P.O. Box 10210, Kathmandu, Nepal
Nepal Water Conservation Foundation (NWCF)
GPO Box 2221, Kathmandu, Nepal
In Support of:
South Asian Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies (SaciWATERs) Hyderabad, India
The Agenda
Massive development in hydraulic infrastructures around the world in last five decades have put water to the services of people, through its use in irrigation, hydropower, domestic and industrial supply, aquaculture, navigation and spectrum of other uses. There has been significant growth in agricultural productivity and availability of food and nutrition improvement, largely due to availability of irrigation, improved crop varieties and use of chemical fertilizers. There has also been significant transformation in the livelihood opportunities and quality of life. However, these successes, and the distribution of gains, have been inequitably distributed at global, regional and local levels. The last 50 years have also witnessed unprecedented changes in the ecosystems. Land and land based natural resources, which are crucial to supporting and sustaining livelihood of masses, continue to degrade at accelerated rates. The situation is likely to worsen further with the increasing threats to climate change, likely to disrupting the balance in the pattern of water supply and demand, reduction in the choices of crops and cropping system posing threats to food security and increasing frequency of water induced disasters.
The challenges to water resources management today, and those likely to emerge in future, are getting more complex, demanding greater attention in developing increased human and institutional capacities, infrastructure and management services in integrating the diverse water uses and responding to changing demands and supply scenarios. Further, poverty and livelihood enhancement strategies tied to water resources development need to be focused to empowerment of people, secured access and equity in resource distribution. Taking a different perspective on water resources management is therefore imperative in order to make multiple gains in ensuring food security, reducing poverty, creating opportunity for livelihood diversification, conserving ecosystem integrity and creating resilience to climate change.
This research conference intends to focus on ways and means of interfacing the issues relating to poverty, livelihood and climate change with water resources agenda in the South Asian context.
The Theme
The conference intends to focus on following more specific themes:
i. Increasing access, equity and productivity of land and water to combat poverty and diversify livelihood opportunities
ii. Promoting multiple water-use systems while ensuring secured access and equity
iii. Land and water resources degradation and resulting threats to ecosystem services and livelihood
iv. Climate change and adaptation vis-à-vis poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement
v. Reforms in policy and institutions to prepare for future.
Date and Venue
The conference will be organized in Kathmandu during May 4-6, 2009.
Abstract and Paper Submission
Original research papers are invited from researchers, professionals, decision makers, policy personnel, NGO staff and other practitioners on specific themes of the conference outlined above. Abstracts, not exceeding 350 words, along with the title of the paper, 5 keywords and name and affiliation of the authors and their contact addresses are requested. The authors of the selected abstracts shall be invited to submit full paper.
Separate session has been proposed to be organized for the awardees of SAWA (South Asian Water Alliance) Fellowship, who are pursuing Masters and Doctoral courses in Interdisciplinary Water Resources Management at the four partner institutions in Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. SAWA fellows are also requested to develop and submit abstracts of their paper within the stated due date. This must be based on their original work, preferably from their Masters or Doctoral research.
Important Dates
Deadline for abstract submission: January 15, 2009
Notification for abstract acceptance: January 31, 2009
Deadline for full paper submission: February 28, 2009
Notification of full paper acceptance: March 15, 2008
Financial Support
The authors of the selected papers shall be awarded financial support to cover travel cost, accommodation and per diem. Total of 20 papers (excluding those by SAWA Fellows), based on author’s original work, are expected to be presented in the conference.
Contact Address
Coordinator:
Dr. Dibya Ratna Kansakar
SaciWATERs; Plot No. 125 & 126, SP Colony
Trimulgherry, Secundarabad- 500015
A.P. India
Tel. +91-40-27796721/ 27990139/55762865
Fax. +91-4027796721
Joint Coordinators:
Prof. Ashutosh Shukla
Nepal Engineering College
Changunarayan, Bhaktapur
GPO Box 10210, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel. +977-1-6611744, 6614720
Fax. +977-1-6611681
Mr. Ajay Dixit
Nepal Water Conservation Foundation
Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur
GPO Box 2221, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel. +977-1-5528111
Fax. +977-1-5524816