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Universities join hands to improve environment
KATHMANDU, DEC 20 - Students and faculties of Tribhuvan University (TU) and Saitama University (SU), Japan will soon conduct joint researches on environmental issues. This was disclosed at a press meet jointly organised by both the universities here today.The universities also organised a seminar entitled ‘Solid Waste Issue: An Environmental Problem’ yesterday.
The Central Department of Geology, TU, and the Geosphere Research Institute Saitama (GRIS), SU, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding in July last year. With the joint efforts both departments will soon set up ‘Geospheric Environment Monitoring System of Next Generation’, an environment monitoring system developed by GRIS for Nepal.
Tsutomo Hyodo, president of SU, shedding light on the purpose of the agreement said, “Faculty and students exchange, and promoting joint researches, especially on solid waste management will be the major focus initially.”
Zenji Kaminaga, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, addressing the seminar yesterday said, “ The Kathmandu valley has to be especially kept clean to encourage tourism and also because World Heritage Sites are located here.” He expressed hope that the collaboration of the universities in conducting joint research will yield positive results.
On the occasion, Dr Govind Sharma, vice-chancellor of TU, said, “Waste is the outcome of attitude and until and unless people don’t change their attitude, the problem will continue to remain.” He said high population density in urban areas has led to ecological disturbance. “ In rural areas where population density is relatively low, nature usually takes care of itself”, he said.
Professor Kunio Watanabe of GRIS, who presented a paper at the same programme, emphasised on the unification of technology and sociology for the management of solid waste. He said, “Technology only is not enough to manage solid waste, it must be accepted by the society as well.” He said present approach of research would be inter-disciplinary.
At present, 12 Nepali students are studying at SU representing the highest number of international students from a single country.
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