International workshop on climate change in Kashmir

Three-day International Workshop on Climate Change, Glacial Retreat and Livelihoods-Access Regionally, Act locally is being organized at by J&K Government (Forest Department, SFRI) in collaboration with the University of Kashmir and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) from October 12 to 14, 2009. The proceedings of first two days of the workshop including inaugural session are being organized at SKICC Srinagar and on October 14, 2009, the workshop shall be conducted in University of Kashmir, Srinagar.

The Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah is likely to inaugurate the workshop as chief guest and Chairman, IPCC, Dr. R.K. Pachauri shall preside over and deliver key note address. During the inaugural session, Chief Minister, Forest Minister, DG TERI and other dignitaries shall address the gathering.

The inaugural session shall be followed by technical session which include five plenary sessions. The subjects of the plenary sessions shall be variability and predictability of changing climate in Indian Himalayas, implications of Climate Change on Eco-systems and Livelihoods, Societal Response to changing climate, translating science into action at local level and breakout group session. The various groups shall discuss science of climate change: impacts on India, Natural Resource Management, Communities and Climate Change and local perspectives to Adaptations.

Various plenary sessions shall be presided over by eminent literary personalities like Vice Chancellor, Kashmir University, Prof. Riyaz Punjabi, TERI, New Delhi, Prof. S.I. Hasnain, University of Cambridge, M.S. Sally Daultrey, Vice Chancellor, Sikkim University, Prof. M.P. Lama and University of Melbourne, Australia, Prof. James Fark.

The eminent speakers who shall speak on various subjects shall include Pardeep Mool ICIMOD Kathmandu, Bhutanic Military Engineering College Pune, Dr. Manohar Arora, National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee, Dr. Shakil A. Ramshoo, University of Srinagar, Dr. Mohit Gera J&K PCB, Prof. Kapil Kumar, IGNOU, Shahid Hassan TERI New Delhi, R.S Jasrotia J&K Forest department, Dr. Shafiq A.R. Traq, Wani and Sofi Kashmir University, Dr. M.A. Wani and J.A. Wani Kashmir University, I.H. Rehman, TERI New Delhi, Retue Raj Environment Law Expert Supreme Court of India, Dr. Shahid Iqbal J&K Forest department, Dr. Lone and Dr. Rather Kashmir University, Dr. Nayeema Jabeen Kashmir University, Tundup Yangmo and Dr. S.N. Mishra, GEREES India, M.S. Pamposh Bhat, EFCON.