Tuesday, August 16, 2022

COMPARISON OF IMPROVED AND TRADITIONAL COOKING STOVE USER IN TERMS OF FIREWOOD CONSUMPTION — A CASE STUDY OF CHHEKAMPAR VILLAGE, MANASLU CONSERVATION AREA GORKHA, NEPAL

 



Sanjeev Poudel*, Kumar Lamichhane, Ashesh Acharya and Mukesh K. Chettri1

National College, Center for Development Studies, Kathmandu University, Kathmandu, Nepal

1Amrit Campus, Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal

*Email: sanjeevdevs@gmail.com


ABSTRACT

This paper compares users of improved and the traditional cooking stoves in

Chhekampar Village Development Committee (VDC), Gorkha district, with

regard to firewood consumption. The major variables used to analyze the

firewood consumption of the households are family size, livestock holdings,

frequency of firewood collection, duration of firewood gathering, amount of

firewood used per day. The sampled households were classified in three

elevation ranges (low, mid and high) for the comparison of improved and

traditional cooking stoves users. The results reveal that using improved stoves

reduced firewood consumption by 620 kg/capita/year, and household firewood

savings by NRs 1784/capita/year. Carbon emission of traditional cooking stove is

more than improved cooking stove (ICS) by 1136 kg/capita/year. Analyzing the

variables it can be concluded that ICS is an effective technology for reducing

consumption of firewood and helps to minimize the CO2 emission.

Key words: Carbon-dioxide emission, firewood consumption, improved cooking

stove (ICS), traditional cooking stove (TCS).

=

Proceedings of International Conference on Biodiversity, Livelihood and Climate Change in the

Himalayas, 2015, pp. 217-224

Eds: P.K. Jha, K.K. Shrestha, R.P. Chaudhary and B.B. Shrestha

Publisher: Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu


Citation: Birks, H.J.B. 2015. Biodiversity, livelihood and climate change in the

Himalayan region. In: Proceedings of International Conference on Biodiversity,

Livelihood and Climate Change in the Himalayas. (eds.) Jha, P.K., K.K.

Shrestha, R.P. Chaudhary and B.B. Shrestha. Central Department of

Botany, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. pp. 1-39.

Examining caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) harvesting and management practice at Pupal pasture of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal



Abstract

This thesis examines the contribution of caterpillar fungus (Ophiocordyceps sinensis) to rural livelihoods and the role of community-based resource management in the Pupal pasture of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal. Using a socio-ecological system's perspective, a survey instrument was developed and implemented among 223 harvesters, two traders and five community leaders during the fungus harvesting period in May-June 2019. Findings suggest that the harvesters earned USD 3,090 PPP on average from fungus collection, about 80% of household income, and that the sustainability of the resource is at risk. The implications of these findings for sustainable fungus harvesting and governance are discussed.

https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/examining-caterpillar-fungus-iophiocordyceps-sinensisi-harvesting 

OUTCOMES OF MIGRATION ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS: CASE STUDY OF MALI VILLAGE OF NEPAL

 

OUTCOMES OF MIGRATION ON SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS: CASE STUDY OF MALI VILLAGE OF NEPAL

Abstract

The basic livelihood strategy which is the combination of agriculture and livestock in rural mountains

are in multiple stresses through changing climate situation. The people have now diversified their

livelihood to non-farm activities like waged based labor, civil service and particularly out-migration to

urban areas amongst others. There are studies done in the context of migration and environmental

change however the relationship between migration and livelihood capitals has been little explored.

Using the livelihood approach as an organizing framework to examine the effects of migration in the

livelihood capitals of Mali village this research collected the evidence through household survey along

with key informant and in-depth interviews. The ward six of Mali village is moderately vulnerable to

climatic related changes as compared to highly vulnerable district as positioned by NAPA report 2010.

The results reveal that due to migration effects like increase in fallow land, shifting from large

livestock to less labor intensive livestock, limited participation of women in community decisions

making process, gaps of semi-skilled youth manpower in the village, increase in wage based labor

rates, massive inflow of remittance funding further migration, increase in possession of mobile phones

and increase of interest rates to loans provided for foreign employment by one percent. Hence,

institutional reforms in property rights ownership, community forestry participation mechanism,

structural reforms in school and health sector along with ways to re-integrate the skills of returned

migrant and better use of remittance flow in the village in productive sector is recommended.

Keywords: #Agriculture, #MaliVillage, #Migration, #SustainableLivelihood, #Remittance


Role of civil society groups and individual activists in environmental litigation

 

Role of civil society groups and individual activists in environmental litigation

This article identifies five major roles that civil society plays in global environmental governance: (1) collecting, disseminating, and analyzing information; (2) providing input to agenda-setting and policy development processes; (3) performing operational functions; (4) assessing environmental conditions and monitoring compliance with environmental agreements; and (5) advocating environmental justice. Several environmental case studies from Indian context, TRAFFIC, and IUCN – illustrate the success civil society group have in expanding to these roles. This paper deals on development of global environmental governance with respect to the expansion of civil society and individual activists in the international arena. Further, paper explores the roles of civil society groups in the effective environment litigation with the case studies from India, Canada and other countries where applicable.

Designing governance structures that draw these groups in global environment problem solving and decisions making is still a complex challenge. Civil society participation also requires significant commitment and substantial financial resources to carry by the national governments.

Finally, it all boils down to who decides the global agenda of environmental problem solving and who would be the major stakeholder that would influence the decision making. These agenda also decides the fate of the country as strong environmental measure could hinder the process of industrialization and globalization in developing countries. The factor of “POWER” also comes into play while filtering the environmental issues that could be the major agenda for the developing countries. Although, civil societies in developing countries plays a bigger role in negotiating the agenda with the developed countries, the windows of opportunity for the developing countries to put their agenda in the forefront discussion in the international summit would take longer time than desired.

Key words: #Civil Society, #Decision making, #Global Environmental governance, #Participation, #Policymaking.

Review of Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) under National Rural Health Mission to reduce Maternal Mortality Rate in India

 


Government of India came up with the National Health Policy in 1983 to administer the functioning of public health sector in an effective manner. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India again introduced an updated National Health Policy (NHP) in 2002 taking into consideration the achievements and drawbacks of the 1983 policy so as to achieve an acceptable standard of good health of Indian population.

India accounts for almost a quarter for pregnancy and delivery related maternal deaths occurring worldwide. The National Health Policy 2002, and the National Population Policy (NPP) 2000 of India, expected to reduce Maternal Mortality (MMR) to 100/1,00,000 by 2010. The Millennium Development Goal on the other hand, aims at MMR reduced to 109 by 2015. This paper is a retrospective health policy advocacy that reviews the NHP goal of reducing MMR to 100/1,00,000. Further it also examines the efficacy of Janani Suraksha Yojana(JSY), under the NRHM in achieving the target set forth by NHP. The method used for analysis is based on the health Policy Triangle3 by Walt and Gilson and WHO’s six pillars of strengthening health system .

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 53600 maternal deaths occur every year in the globe out of which 13600 takes place in India. The maternal ratio in 2003 was 301 (maternal deaths per 100000 live births) and 254/1, 00,000 in 2004-06. So there was the need to decline by 154 points to reach the goal. The MMR in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the year 2004-06 was 95 and 111 respectively. During the year 2004-06, MMR was reported 480 in Assam, 312 in Bihar/Jharkhand, 335 in Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, 303 in Orissa, 388 in Rajasthan, and 440 in Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand. Though MMR, in India vary across different states it has been found that the North Indian States contribute to the deaths at a disproportionately high proportion. The trends on MMR over the last 10 years (1999-2000, 2007-2009) show declination by 35% i.e. 327 to 212 per 100000 live births on a national level6. Many of the intertwined factors such as social status, position of women, availability and accessibility of skills, materials and facilities for family planning and maternity care, inaccessibility of quality health care in rural areas, are responsible factors. Most of the causes of maternal mortality in India are preventable, which indicates the need to establish appropriate health care services in rural areas. Despite of the safe motherhood policies and programmatic initiatives, maternity has not significantly become safer in India over the last 20 years in comparison to the target set forward by NHP.

The NPP also seeks to increase the proportion of institutional deliveries to 80% by 2010. So, the National Rural Health Mission came up with a safe motherhood intervention called as Janani Suraksha Yojana8 (JSY) on 12th April 2005, for promoting institutional delivery. This resulted in the increase in number of beneficiaries 7.39 lakhs in 2005-06 to 1 crore in 2009-109. The comprehensive medical care during pregnancy, child birth and post natal care endeavored improvements in the level of institutional deliveries in low performing states to reduce the mortality10. 

References:

National Mechanisms-Child Related Policies-National Health Policy 2002; Child Protection and Child Right retrieved from http://www.childlineindia.org.in/National-Health-Policy-2002.htm on 30th april, 2013

Vora S.K, Mavalankar V.D. (2009); Maternal Health Situation in India; A case study. Journal of Health Population and Nutrition.

http://goo.gl/Wmkq9

Annual Report to the People on Health (2010); p.7 Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi

Rai K. S, Mishra P. (2012); Public Health Approach to Address Maternal Mortality. Indian Journal of Public Health.

Dutta K D(2012); Strategies to Reduce Maternal Mortality and Morbidity in India: The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India.

Also referred as National Maternity Benefit Scheme

Annual Report to the People on Health (2010); p.7 Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi

Agarwal SP(2005);Towards Achieving Millennium Development Goals in the Health Sector in India; Volume 6, No 4. Journal, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine


Saturday, August 13, 2022

Nepal Country report: Water and Climate Change: Irregular precipitation and frequent droughts as a result of Environmental Change.

     

Nepal Country report submitted to Korea Water Forum

By Sanjeev Poudel, Sushmita Dawadi and Ranjan Aryal





          Ⅰ. Introduction 

Geographic information: South Asia [26.5333° N, 86.7333° E] (Neighboring             Countries- India and China) Population, Capital, and Language: 27 million (2011 Population Census), Kathmandu, Official Language: Nepali. Major water course (river stream) : About 6000 rivers in Nepal having drainage area of 191000 sq. km, 74 % of which lies in Nepal alone (WECS, 2011). 

Case Study:

1. Theme - Water and Climate Change: Irregular precipitation and frequent droughts as a result of Environmental Change.


II. Problem-solving efforts and actions of the government, local government and citizens:

A case study of Dadigurashe Village Development Committee in Sindhuli District, Central Development Region, Nepal :

Context: The melting of glaciers, glacier outbursts, declining monsoon, increasing incidence of floods, and flash rains are making headlines across the world. But at Dadigurashee, the villagers relate the increasing change in weather pattern is due to deforestation. The community members expressed, “earlier there were plenty of forests, with the increasing population, the forest area declined, rainfall decreased and the periods of dry summer increased”. The villagers seemed clueless about the rapid pace of industrialization and declining ozone layer.

The National Adaptation Plan of Action (NAPA) positioned Sindhuli district as a moderately affected district by climate change but the interactions with community members indicate a different story. Villagers have experienced extreme and longer summers and short and intense winters in the past two decades. In summers, the community water supply system is threatened due to extreme drought. The villagers are forced to walk for almost an hour to fetch water from far-away wells or the Marin River (village river). The impacts of climate change have resulted to increased hardships as women to fetch water from long distances and walk longer in search of firewood and fodder.

Villagers have experienced rise in incidents of conflicts over water for irrigation. One of the respondents reported, “As scarcity increases conflict also increases. 20 years ago water was abundant, there were no water conflicts for irrigation but now with increasing water scarcity, people fight”. At Dadigurashee, agriculture is posed with serious climatic threat. The declining trend of monsoon has brought severe challenges to farmers. Reduced monsoon rainfall and the high cost of irrigation, has reduced the enthusiasm for agriculture. The rich farmers during dry seasons use water pumps for irrigation, while the majority practices rain-fed agriculture.

The irregular rainfall and frequent droughts have reduced agricultural productivity affecting food consumption for most poor families in the village. The poor families reported more days of food shortage in a year than compared to a decade ago. Farmers are increasingly borrowing money to meet their basic needs and fertilizers to enhance agriculture productivity. On the other hand, the increasing warm temperature has led to introduction of invasive weeds, pests (laii kira in local language) and fungi in the crops. Farmers reported higher agricultural expenses to control weeds and pests. Such climatic impacts have increased debts among the poor and the marginalized farmers.

Some villagers, finding difficulty to sustain livelihood, migrate to Gulf countries, and small towns and cities of Nepal (such as Sindhuli town and Kathmandu). The increasing impacts of climatic conditions indicate people within communities are disproportionately affected. People in different capacities are adapting and changing livelihoods with changing environment. Community members from different caste and class groups have developed their own adaptation processes. Although, NAPA has listed Sindhuli district to have a moderate impact of climate change, the degree of impacts at the village level are differential and incomparable.


Ⅲ. Conclusion

1. Suggestion- Ways to solve the water-related problems through international cooperation: Authorities working for long to address issues of climate change in the region should prioritize adaptation as a process not only to achieve mitigation goals but should also ensure sustenance of basic livelihood and should develop departmental linkages for strong multi-dimensional approach. Else climate change impacts will reverse development goals achieved so far (DFID, 2007). Therefore Climate Change Adaptation interventions are required to be holistic for successful adaptation programs. The learnings of adaptations from different geographical regions of Global South and North should be systematically recorded to mitigate the challenges posed by environmental changes.



4nd Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water (APYPW) - Declaration and commission reports


4th Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water

8-11 April 2015, World Water Forum Pavilion, Andong City, Republic of Korea

 

Declaration

 

Preamble

We, the Parliamentarians of the 4th Asia-Pacific Youth Parliament for Water (APYPW), are 89 participants from 22 Asian countries. We have gathered in Andong city, Republic of Korea from 8th to 11th of April 2015, to discuss water challenges as they relate to issues of capacity building, urbanization, a safe and sufficient supply of water, and ecosystems and biodiversity. Each parliamentarian brought their own knowledge and experiences on water to share with youth from other countries in firm belief that the youth can be the driver of changing the water status of Asia pacific region.

We have set a clear vision for the future, of what the water sector will look like 15 years from now. By 2030, we aim to achieve the targets identified in this Declaration.

We acknowledge that the water problems our countries face, and even the 15-year targets we have set, can be difficult for youth to solve and achieve. But, we can take initial action toward achieving these solutions. We see the first step toward achieving these goals is to increase awareness among youth and adults in our communities about these target issues. Therefore, we have deemed the coming year a Year of Education. The one-year action commitments adopted by the 4th APYPW are focused on educating and raising awareness about water problems and their solutions under the purview of the identified targets.

 

Vision

Poor management has caused our water resources to be polluted and overused. According to UN Millennium Development Goals Report 2012, 783 million people have no access to an improved source of drinking water. The gap between urban and rural populations and between developed and developing countries in terms of an access to water remains wide.

We envision a day when the availability of clean and safe drinking water is no longer a challenge. When the basic human right of access to water will be guaranteed to every person on the planet; when every person will have access to a sufficient and affordable supply of water to meet their needs; when women and children no longer have to spend their precious time each day to collect water that may not even be clean; and where sustainable consumption of water resources is a practice adopted by governments, industries, and individuals alike.

We envision a future where society can develop and co-exist sustainably with nature.Where the need for water from both people and the planet can be met sustainably and efficiently; where decisions about human development will strive to minimize their environmental impact; where cities will no longer be main contributors to water pollution; and where natural disasters can be managed effectively and securely.

 

 

Targets

1.   Reach accumulated 5 million people by 2030 by the means of raising awareness.

2.   Ensure 2 million people get adequate knowledge about rainwater harvesting and sustainable water management through education and capacity building.

3.   Decrease pollution and flood by improving infrastructure.

4.   Adopt one policy or agreement that is specifically and intentionally targeted to improve the condition of water-ecosystems from each of the 22 countries represented at the 4th APYPW.

Commitments

Publishing a paper about flooding and ecosystem in our city or country;

[Target 1] We commit to write at least one article that details the problem of flooding in our cities or countries and highlights some solutions our governments can take to fix these problems. We will work to advertise these articles through news media and social media, beginning from APYPW website and affiliated partners.

Organizing a flood awareness event in our city;

[Target 1] We commit to organize one flood awareness event in our cities that involves both community members and government officials. These events will include discussions about the problems caused by flooding and solutions including early warning systems, and will aim to achieve general consensus of local community regarding flood issues. The result of discussion shall be forwarded to local NGOs, local media, and local government.

Organizing campaigns on ecosystem and sustainable development through media

[Target 1] We commit to organize campaigns on ecosystem and sustainable development by cooperating with conventional/social media in each area of the country by organizing awareness speeches in along with local NGOs. In addition, we commit to mobilize youth to different place to promote ecosystem awareness by the means of volunteer activities

Formation of youth clubs in communities to educate general people on sustainable water consumption and management

[Target 2] Youth clubs can be formed which will carry out activities such conducting workshops and dialogue sessions with community people especially women and youth to educate them about proper utilization of water usage and aware them about the importance of water and the upcoming water related issues such as water scarcity. The club will also approach local schools to promote the idea of introducing education curriculum which will enhance the knowledge of the school children about water issues and sustainable water management.

Capacity building on rainwater harvesting to increase access to water

[Target 2] Three key change making agents will be approached (NGOs, Universities and youth Activists) who will aid us to spread the concept of rain water harvesting where its needed. Capacity development and installation methods will be shared with the NGOs and youth activist groups so that they can take installation and training initiatives in their project area and community. Department of environmental science and management in universities can be proposed to conduct research on rain water harvesting and also to implement the installation in university infrastructure.

 

 

Creating an online platform to share information about green infrastructure;

[Target 3] We are committed to create an online platform where we will compile and share information and examples both from our own cities and the wider world. As a first step towards improving water management in our cities, we are committed to educate ourselves and other people about emerging and available technologies. Specifically, we are going to conduct research (though online surveys and talking to experts in the field) to learn more about these technologies.

Organizing projects to increase awareness of cooperation with communities;

[Target 3] We are committed to set up projects, in cooperation with local governments, NGOs and civil societies, educating people not to dump garbage into the streams. We could also gather people in areas and clean the surroundings; in addition, by setting up monthly checkups and related laws, we could maintain the continual functioning of the ecosystem in certain areas. Furthermore, we should implement water reuse treatment and storing system in household scale, especially focusing on grey water treatment. Related law should be well implemented.

Educational events on improving water-ecosystems

[Target 4] We commit to organize an event(s) for youth that educates them on topics related to improving the conditions of water-ecosystems. The aim is to involve at least 30 participants. These events will include the presentation and discussion of key issues in the topic and hands-on exercises that encourage youth to put those ideas into practice. Educational events should focus on one of the following three topics: (1) transboundary water management, with a focus on the importance of joint (i.e., intergovernmental) and sustainable water management; (2) biodiversity, endangered species, and the conditions that have caused them to become endangered; (3) the respective countrys relevant environmental policies.

 




Commission Statement of the 4nd Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water (APYPW)

<Commission 1>

 

ENOUGH SAFE WATER FOR ALL

 

Statement of Afghanistan, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand & Vietnam

 

 

PREAMBLE

 

We, the representatives of the aforementioned countries strongly believe that water is a human right that must be affordable to everyone. Water is life’s matrix and matter. Water access has been a complex problem from local to global scale. The numerous social and economic impacts resulting from lack of sufficient and safe water demand that we address the problem more systematically using different approaches, prioritizing the most pressing concerns and encouraging various stakeholders.

 

The commission statement of ‘Commission-1’ focuses more on the issues of water logging, salinity, drought and water scarcity. Improper water storage facilities and less accessibility of clean drinking water are leading to several water borne diseases which are the main causes of death in several countries around the world. The Commission emphasizes the importance of youth participation in the different thematic areas to strengthen engagement on water issues. In particular, we want to give priority to addressing the issue of water shortage through the use of education to increase awareness of the public and promote public-private cooperation to encourage stakeholder participation.

 

The commission-1 discussed in details about the problems originating because of the water scarcity at urban and rural level. There are various issues which are causing the water scarcity problems. The commission has divided the main issues as follows;

 

i)                    Climate change is leading to the unstable and irregular precipitation leading to scarcity of water availability. Overextarction of ground water is the main cause of lowering water table that ultimately causes the problems of salinity. Drought is also one of the main causes of casualties in the world.

ii)                  Most of the people doesn’t have access to the clean and safe drinking water and are the target of several water borne diseases. Water borne diseases are among the major causes of death all over the world and especially in the developing countries.

iii)                Old irrigation system and lack of proper infrastructure and maintenance are also among the causes of insufficient water supply for agricultural farmers and ordinary water users.

 

TARGETS:

 

The main targets and the recommended implementations include the following;

 

1)      To improve water supply and quality by proper maintenance of infrastructure facilities as per global standard

2)      To increase public awareness regarding water issues through education

3)      To increase public-private cooperation:

 

Target Groups:

Farmers, Local people, youth, Government, NGOs and stakeholders

COMMITMENTS:

Improve Water Supply and Quality:

Target Countries: Southeast Asian Countries

The commission recommends the following recommendations to solve the water leakage, seepage and infiltration problems. It would be recommended to the government for repairing watercourses and damaged water pipelines, linings of the irrigation water and normal water courses with covering lids that will prevent water evaporation and water seepage problem.

The commission would like to recommend the government and stakeholder involvement in construction of new water reservoirs and providing free water testing facilities at the union council levels. It will help the local people to be aware about the quality of the water.

Increase Public Awareness:

Target Countries:

The commission recommends holding voluntary national and international water related events like learning lessons, seminars and workshops. In this context, we can use APYPW and WYPW network alumni. They can visit different cities and countries to educate the people, students and the farmers in rural parts or countryside. In this case the youth representatives may need some financial resources which can be requested to different national and international organizations like ADB, UNESCO.

The commission would like to recommend the utilization of the modern media like TV, internet, radio and other existing channels such as social media. Water advertisement or water awareness programs can be broadcasted that will be a good source for conveying the water messages to people. This can be done with the involvement of different NGOs.

Commission recommends holding innovative water competition programs such as painting contest, essay writing and advocacy campaigns (mobile-school) etc. This can be achieved with the involvement of the stakeholders and the government organizations.

For the rural areas, the advocacy campaigns by distributing guideline booklets can help. The youth voluntary groups can be a source to introduce water treatment programs in different communities. Furthermore, commission would like to recommend the government to add water education chapter in the school syllabus which will ultimately prove the best way to educate the people about water.

Increase Public-Private Cooperation:

 

Target Countries:

 

Commission recommends the creation of youth and women groups/alliances to promote water security through government engagement. It will help to strength the women empowerment and also to increase the awareness within the community.

 

The youth alumni can conduct workshops on ‘How to lodge a Right to Information’ in schools and universities to ensure that the public and private sector partnerships and agreements on water usage are transparent and accessible to the public through the creation of online portal for public information, consultation and interaction.

 

 




 

Commission Statement of the 4nd Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water (APYPW)

<Commission 2>

Water and Cities

 

Preamble

We, the youth parliamentarians from the Asia-Pacific region, have gathered in An-dong City, Republic of Korea from the 8th to 11th April 2015, to discuss about the water challenges faced by cities in our respective countries. As representatives of the Asia-Pacific region, we have come to share our knowledge and experiences to reinforce water management systems.

We, Commission 2, a group of 22 APYPW Parliamentarians, are focused on water issues related to cities. Reducing vulnerability to water-related problems in cities is our top priority and we are fully committed to taking decisive actions to mitigate and prevent the problems.

There has been a lot of evidence of water-related problems and an increase in natural disasters over time in our cities. So, as responsible global citizens and proactive youths, we identified three targets to create a better environmental and sustainable future and set four commitments on what we can contribute to the cities.

 

Targets

Target 1: Increase public awareness about flooding

 

Target 2: Improve stormwater management by increasing permeable surfaces in our cities, with emphasis on spaces that both increase permeability and help reduce pollution.

 

Target 3: Improve solid waste management in cities, based on best management practices

 

 

Commitments

Commitment 1 : we commit to publishing a paper about flooding in our city or country

We commit to write at least one article each that details the problem of flooding in our cities or countries and highlights some solutions our governments can take to fix these problems. We will work to advertise these articles through news media and social media.

Commitment 2 : we commit to organizing a flood awareness event in our city

 We commit to organize one flood awareness event in our cities that involves both community members and government officials. These events will include discussions about the problems caused by flooding, the solutions of early warning systems, and the general consensus of the local community regarding these issues.

 

Commitment 3 : we commit to create an online platform to share information we have gathered through research on green infrastructure.

 As a first step toward improving water management in our cities, we are committed to educating ourselves and other people about emerging and available technologies. Specifically, we are going to conduct research (though online surveys and talking to experts in the field) to learn more about these technologies. In conjunction with this commitment, we will create an online platform where we will compile and share information and examples both from our own cities and the wider world.

 

Commitment 4 : we commit to organize trash clean-up event in our city

As an initial step toward achieving this goal, we agree to undertake a community organizing action. We will each organize one event in our city to remove garbage from streets or nearby waterways. We will involve city residents – youth and/or adults – in this action. In addition, we will use this opportunity to talk to the participants about the proper way of dealing with their waste.




 

Commission Statement of the 4nd Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water (APYPW)

<Commission 3>

Managing and Restoring Ecosystems for Water Services and Biodiversity

Ø   Preamble

 

Ø   Targets

 

Ø   Commitment

Target 1. Improved Trans boundary water resources management

            Country governments should promote negotiation, encouraging initiation of a united local organization of each involved countries, so that a framework of action can be ensured and international watershed management could be implemented. Regular summit meeting should also be held, and make national, international and regional institutes to get involved in it, in order to clarify the importance of trans boundary water resources issues to all the residents living in those countries.

 

Target 2. Promote ecosystem awareness

We should organize campaigns on ecosystem and sustainable development by cooperating with social media in each area of the country by organizing awareness speeches. In addition, immobilize youth to different place to promote ecosystem awareness to the local communities and to establish volunteer activities that center about teaching ecosystem awareness.

 

Target 3. Prevent pollution in the ecosystem

We could set up projects, educating people for not to dump garbage into the streams in affected area in cooperation with local government, NGOs and civil societies. We could also gather people in areas and clean the surroundings; in addition, by setting up monthly checkups and related laws, we could maintain the continual functioning of the ecosystem in certain areas. Furthermore, we should implement water reuse treatment and storing system in household scale, especially focusing on grey water treatment. Related law should be well implemented.

 

Target 4. Rehabilitation for endangered species

Government should cooperate with experts, youth involvement and human activities in the field of ecology to build up protected and/or reserved areas for endemic organisms and set up regulation in these areas in order to limit human activities and industrial development. In addition, government should establish places where people can interact with endangered species in order to appreciate the importance of these species.

 

Target 5. Promote ecosystem-related water regulations

Government should set up water governance planning that ensures equal water distribution to prevent the development difference within each ecosystem, in order to reach balance between man-made system and pristine ecosystem. Ecosystem policy must be framed out determinedly with the guideline according to the suggestions from the elites to conduct the regulations. Furthermore, influencing governments to make sure the implementation of strict laws is also essential.




 

Commission Statement of the 4nd Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water (APYPW)

<Commission 4>

Enhancing awareness and education on sustainable water management

Preamble

Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Jordan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, People’s Republic of China, Republic of China(Taiwan), Republic of Korea, Uzbekistan

We, the youth from thirteen respective countries, gather at Andong, Republic of Korea from 8th– 11th April 2015 in order to attend the 4th Asia Pacific Youth Parliament for Water. All parliamentarians in commission 4 believes that water education and other forms of capacity building play an important role in achieving water security and sustainable development.

Background

An official agenda of fourth commission in APYPW 2015 is “enhancing education and capacity building.” After thorough discussions among parliamentarians, the commission has set a scope of discussion into few keywords; sustainability, knowledge sharing with general public in regards to securing access to water, and capacity building led by youth. Among various water education forms and levels, we choose to focus on non-formal and informal forms of water education as well as higher education and community level of education.

Target 1: Educating community people about water management and promote sustainable consumption.

 

Target 2: Educating general people about household level rainwater harvesting system.

Target 3: Encourage water efficiency in service industries by means of capacity building engagement by youth groups.

Commitments:

1)      The participants will engage in need assessment survey to find out target communities where information about water management and its sustainable consumption is needed by engaging the influential people of the local community. Develop a youth club in the community which can carry out the actions such monthly dialogue sessions with the youth and the home makers of the community to provide education about proper utilization of water for house hold activities such as cleaning and cooking

2)      The participants will find out the key agents of change makers which are more likely to be NGOs, Youth Activist Groups and Universities who are willing to support the initiative. Capacity development method will be shared with NGOs so that they can introduce and promote it in their related project areas. Workshops on educating youth activists on rain water harvesting and its installation process will be conducted. Universities can be approached regarding installation of rain water harvesting in their infrastructure and carry out research paper on the feasibility and effectiveness. In one year the target is to approach one university, one NGO and develop one active youth group per country regarding our key change makers.

 

3)      APYPW parliamentarians will return their home country and make contact with institution agents with technical knowledge on efficient usage of water. Afterwards, target group to implement the training program will be selected along with an initial curriculum for each target group. Within one year, sustainable training program in at least 2 dining establishment, car-wash business, laundry business each per country will be run.