Awantipora, Jul 30: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) will host a four-day international conference on 'Nature-based Solutions for Enhanced Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayas' from August 3 to 6.
The conference will be inaugurated on August 3 by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, as the Chief Guest. Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, will grace the inaugural session as the Guest of Honour.
The international event will bring together policymakers, scientists, academicians, development practitioners, financial institutions, businesses and civil society representatives to examine how nature-based solutions can strengthen climate resilience, support livelihoods and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir and the wider Himalayan region.
The programme will focus on the climate-resilient Jhelum River Basin and the Himalayas, wetland restoration, climate-smart forestry, sustainable agriculture and horticulture, urban resilience, human well-being, digital technology-enabled green enterprises, and climate finance.
Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, said Jammu and Kashmir's forests, rivers, wetlands and agricultural landscapes should be recognised as essential natural infrastructure that supports water security, disaster risk reduction, livelihoods and economic development.
Conference Convener Prof. Javed Hussain Mir said the conference would take the discussion on nature-based solutions beyond environmental conservation and highlight their role in strengthening climate resilience, livelihoods and sustainable development.
A major highlight of the conference will be the High-Level Policy Dialogue on 'Leveraging Nature-based Solutions for Fiscal Diversification and Resilience in Jammu and Kashmir', scheduled for August 6 at Amar Singh Club, Srinagar.
Chaired by Additional Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar (IAS), the policy dialogue will bring together senior policymakers, planners, academicians, businesses and civil society representatives to deliberate on priority policies and investments for enhancing Jammu and Kashmir's climate, fiscal and economic resilience.
