Hindu Kush-Himalayan countries will use a global platform to share biodiversity data
15/06/10 21:36
Hindu Kush-Himalayan countries will use a global platform to share biodiversity data
(Kathmandu, 15 June 2010) Some twenty-five representatives from the eight countries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region are meeting in Kathmandu from 14 to 18 June to discuss ‘Open access to and publishing of mountain biodiversity data from the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region’. The representatives, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan have been brought together in a workshop jointly organised by ICIMOD in collaboration with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA).
The participants will use the opportunity provided by the GBIF/GMBA global platform to publish, harvest, and use biodiversity data from the region. Following the principles of free and open access to biodiversity data, and mutual benefits for scientific research, conservation, and sustainable development, the countries have initiated a partnership process to adopt globally standardised and harmonised biodiversity information. The workshop will introduce international data and metadata standards, geo-referencing of biodiversity data, and use of data in policy making.
Mr. Berend de Groot, ICIMOD Director of Programme Operations, welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of long-term partnerships among ICIMOD’s member countries and global partners to promote standardised and harmonised biodiversity data and information. This is urgently needed to fill the gaps in data revealed by the 4th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ‘Transect Approach’ being promoted by ICIMOD for biodiversity assessment and long-term monitoring in the region should be linked to these activities.
Delivering the Key Note Address, Dr Vishwas Chavan from GBIF emphasised the importance of information management as an integral part of the research agenda. He urged the regional countries and thematic global partners to use the opportunity to mainstream biodiversity informatics. Dr Eva Sphen from GMBA stressed how global biodiversity datasets can be used to address questions related to mountain biodiversity data and that there is an urgent need to broaden the data types to supplement biodiversity data.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Krishna Prasad Acharya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal welcomed the approaches and emphasised the importance of free access data for effective conservation and the importance of supporting such initiatives.
For further information contact: Dr Nakul Chettri Team Leader, Biodiversity Conservation and Management (BCM) International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, (ICIMOD) email: nchettri@icimod.org
Ms Nira Gurung, Communications Officer
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, (ICIMOD) email: info@icimod.org, ngurung@icimod.org
[end]
(Kathmandu, 15 June 2010) Some twenty-five representatives from the eight countries of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region are meeting in Kathmandu from 14 to 18 June to discuss ‘Open access to and publishing of mountain biodiversity data from the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region’. The representatives, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan have been brought together in a workshop jointly organised by ICIMOD in collaboration with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA).
The participants will use the opportunity provided by the GBIF/GMBA global platform to publish, harvest, and use biodiversity data from the region. Following the principles of free and open access to biodiversity data, and mutual benefits for scientific research, conservation, and sustainable development, the countries have initiated a partnership process to adopt globally standardised and harmonised biodiversity information. The workshop will introduce international data and metadata standards, geo-referencing of biodiversity data, and use of data in policy making.
Mr. Berend de Groot, ICIMOD Director of Programme Operations, welcomed the participants and emphasised the importance of long-term partnerships among ICIMOD’s member countries and global partners to promote standardised and harmonised biodiversity data and information. This is urgently needed to fill the gaps in data revealed by the 4th Assessment Report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ‘Transect Approach’ being promoted by ICIMOD for biodiversity assessment and long-term monitoring in the region should be linked to these activities.
Delivering the Key Note Address, Dr Vishwas Chavan from GBIF emphasised the importance of information management as an integral part of the research agenda. He urged the regional countries and thematic global partners to use the opportunity to mainstream biodiversity informatics. Dr Eva Sphen from GMBA stressed how global biodiversity datasets can be used to address questions related to mountain biodiversity data and that there is an urgent need to broaden the data types to supplement biodiversity data.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Krishna Prasad Acharya, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation, Government of Nepal welcomed the approaches and emphasised the importance of free access data for effective conservation and the importance of supporting such initiatives.
For further information contact: Dr Nakul Chettri Team Leader, Biodiversity Conservation and Management (BCM) International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, (ICIMOD) email: nchettri@icimod.org
Ms Nira Gurung, Communications Officer
International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, (ICIMOD) email: info@icimod.org, ngurung@icimod.org
[end]
Education, Art, Culture and Career Counseling seminar held in Nubra
15/06/10 21:35
Leh, June 10, 2010 The All Nubra Volunteer Students organized a day long seminar under the topic “Education, Art, Culture and Career Counseling” in the premises of Higher Secondary School Deskit Nubra.
As many as 500 students from all over Nubra region including teachers, parents and other eminent people participated in the seminar.
Prof. Geshey Konchok Wangdus, Mulvi Mohd. Omar Nadvi and Dr. Sonam Wangchok, Ladakh Liaison officer for IALS and Secretary, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation were among the special guest speakers on art, culture and moral education while as Mr. Stanzin Tsepel and Mr. Rigzin Spalgon gave lectures on the importance of career counseling in student’s life.
Prof. Geshes Konchok Wangdus strongly advocated the role of language in preserving culture and the identity of the people. Likewise, Mulvi Mohd. Omar Nadvi stressed for right mind and right vision for getting education and Dr. Sonam Wangchok spoke on the importance of preserving rich cultural heritage of Himalaya. The Incharge SDM, Nubra, Mr. Phuntsog Wangchuk, Tehsildar also attended the seminar and addressed the gathering.
Wolf
24/05/10 07:33
For those following developments in Ladakhi cinema 'Wolf' is a new full length HD feature film which tells the story of a young man who crosses the line in his search for easy money. Shot in the social realist tradition with a cast of non-professional actors the film is a co-production with a UK and Ladakhi crew and is due for release into festivals later this year. A mobile cinema will also tour the Ladakh region screening the film in village schools and community centres. The film was shot in Leh and Tia village and was directed by Martin Salter and Skarma RInchen with cinematography by Matthew King. The film stars Tsewang Dorje, Tsering Mingyur, Rigzen Namgyal, Tsering Dolma and Lhanzes Tsering.
The latest trailer can be viewed on youtube, or for a HD version (with a slightly different ending) click here.
Ladakhis at the Winter Olympics
15/02/10 21:19
Two Ladakhis are competing at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Both Ladakh Scouts, Jamyang Namgial is competing in the Giant Slalom, and Tashi Lundup in Cross Country Skiing.
For more details click here.
Postscript:
Tashi Lundup finished 83rd in the Men's 15KM Free, whilst Jamyang Namgial came in 81st position in the Men's Giant Slalom.