Experts call for alternative development models
Experts participating at the ongoing 4th IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum (RCF) in Kathmandu have stressed the need to adopt alternative models of development for socio-economic progress and nature conservation in the Asian region.
During deliberations, most participants pointed out that economic growth in parts of Asia is transforming social life, natural resource use patterns and the relationship between human and non-human habitats.
Citing example of the changing course of Bagmati River, Anne M. Rademacher, Professor of New York University, USA, commented that alternative models of development need to be anchored on the conservation of the Bagmati River, adding that there are many ways of linking development with conservation issues.
“The livelihoods of people around the region are under increasing pressure owing to environmental degradation, rapacious economic development and implications of global processes, to name just a few. As a result, natural resources are being depleted - some irreversibly,” highlighted IUCN Regional Councillor Abdul-Muyeed Chowdhury, referring to the successful development model of the world’s largest NGO Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee, popularly known as BRAC.
Earlier, speaking at a session on the ‘Future of Sustainability and Challenges to Asia,’ Dr. Ashok Khosla of Development Alternatives, an Indian NGO, stressed the need to develop capacity to identify priority issues confronting the nations and devise effective solutions to create sustainable livelihoods. He added, “Most of the current environmental and human problems cannot be understood or addressed in isolation from each other and should be seen holistically.”
The growing link between the conservation community and the private sector was one of the focus areas in the discussion session. With some key representatives from the private sector in the region in attendance, the session presented case studies of best practices of work and emerging ways of bringing the two sectors on a common platform.
About 400 IUCN members, experts, representatives from IUCN’s membership, commissions, secretariat and council in 30 Asian countries are participating in the RCF.
Organisers said the main agenda of the forum is to generate meaningful dialogue on critical conservation and development issues in the region as well as their possible solutions. Special emphasis is being placed on the impact of emerging socio-economic trends in the region during the 21st century.
The RCF is being jointly organised by the Government of Nepal and the World Conservation Union (IUCN). Prime Minister GP Koirala had inaugurated the conference on Monday. nepalnews.com mk Sep 11 07
