THE SMALL EARTH NEPAL

The Small Earth Nepal (SEN) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in collaboration with United Nations Volunteer (UNV),  Consortium for Capacity Building at the University of Colorado – Boulder, Fulbright Specialist Program, Tribhuvan University (TU), Universal Engineering and Science College (UESC), SmartPhones4Water (S4W), and Center of Research for Environment, Energy and Water (CREEW) organized a dialogue on “Indigenous and local water management technologies for climate resilient communities” on 02 May 2023. The program brought together a diverse group of individuals who discussed and presented their views regarding water management and create a knowledge platform in indigenous technology and practice.

Ms. Kajol Basnet, Research Assistant at SEN, moderated the workshop while Ms. Sijal Pokharel, Natural Science Officer at UNESCO, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the program’s objectives. Ms. Pokharel introduced the concept of local and indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Dhiraj Pradhananga, Assoc. Professor, TU; President of SEN and CREEW, and Chairholder of UNESCO Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability, gave an opening remark and emphasized the importance of sustainability in water resource management through partnerships and collaborative efforts.

Dr. Umesh Parajuli, Indigenous Technology Expert highlighted the importance of incorporating indigenous knowledge and technologies to tackle water insecurities. He posed a key question on the existing indigenous knowledge and water management technique for climate adaptation. He explained the scientific principles behind the local water management techniques and suggested their potential integration with modern innovations for climate resilience. 

Group dialogue session chaired by Dr. Bhesh Raj Thapa, Assoc. Prof. and Principal of UESC gathered four distinct groups: indigenous knowledge practitioners, youth, academics and researchers, and government. Each group shared their unique perspectives and discussed promoting indigenous and local knowledge in the management of water.

Dr. Pradhananga outlined a series of actionable points for future collaboration in taking forward Indigenous knowledge systems. The event concluded with a vote of thanks extended by Mr. Bisam Gyawali (Country Coordinator, UNV). Expressing gratitude to all attendees, Mr. Gyawali conveyed the eagerness of UNV-Nepal to engage in such dialogues in the future. He further encouraged the youths to actively participate and be a part of the organization.