KATHMANDU, Feb. 24 (Nepal Foreign Affairs)–A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mutual scientific cooper-ation was signed on Wednesday between Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) and Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS), Germany.
Vice Chancellor of NAST Prof. Dr. Jibaraj Pokharel and Director of Programs of IASS Germany Prof. Dr. Mark Lawrence singed the MoU in a ceremony organized in Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. German Ambassador to Nepal Matthias Meyer was present on the occasion.
This signing of MoU marks the opening of a new avenue of cooperation in the field of science and technology between Nepal and Germany.
According to a press release issued by German Embassy in Kathmandu, the MoU will pave way for the scientists of Nepal and Germany to work together in the field of climate change adaptation.
“For joint activities in Nepal, IASS will provide personnel, resources, scientific expertise and technical assistance, access to instruments and atmospheric observatories, as per the detailed contracts with NAST. This research will produce scientific data to provide inputs to policy measures in developing response to climate change,” the embassy said in the release.
While addressing the signing ceremony, NAST vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jibaraj Pokharel said this MoU was just a beginning and that NAST would be working with IASS to enhance people’s resilience to cope challenges posed by climate change in Nepal.
On the occasion, German Ambassador Matthias Meyer said science is complex for laymen but its advancement contributes in making people’s lives easier. “Nepal falls among countries vulnerable to climate change. Therefore, innovation of science is the only way to save lives from this challenge”, he added.
Prof. Mark Lawrence shed lights on the activities of IASS and said that his institution would work to realize the objectives of the MoU with NAST. The NAST is an autonomous apex body established in 1982 to promote science and technology in Nepal. It is entrusted with responsibilities of advancing of science and technology for national development, among others.
IASS, based in the city of Potsdam Germany, is an interdisciplinary institute engaged in the promotion of science and research on global sustainability. It is currently undertaking two research programmes in Kathamndu Valley, aimed at better understanding and addressing air pollution in Nepal.