New Collaboration

IFSD + CEDAR Collaboration

Institute for Study and Development Worldwide (hereafter referred to as “IFSD”) and Centre for Ecology Development and Research (hereafter referred to as “CEDAR”), have entered into this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in consideration of their complementary capacities and shared visions on sustainable development and natural resources management. This MoU reflects discussions held between the agents' representatives of the parties and formalizes a basis for cooperation, pursuant to the prevailing laws and regulations in Australia and countries of business operation.

SGT University and CEDAR entered an MoU for Collaborative Research

The partnership is aiming at quality research work on areas such as forests, wildlife, watersheds, etc. The collaboration will provide access to and linkages with researchers and varied research programs of mutual interest. This alliance will enable explorations of networks for understanding Himalayan systems, creating a scientific body of knowledge, and capacity building of the students and upcoming researchers.

CEDAR Knowledge Exchange Initiative
Date: 31 ^stOctober - 1^st November, 2022
As part of the “CEDAR Knowledge Exchange Initiative” CEDAR invited Dr. Vijay Shridhar (SENR, Doon University) and Dr. Vignesh Prabhu (Senior Associate, CSTEP) leading academic in the field of Air Pollution in India to share his knowledge and expertise with regard to burgeoning problem of air pollution faced by HKH region. The talk was part of a collaborative and ongoing study on air pollution led by ICIMOD, Nepal.

Their talks highlighted issues related to air pollution in Dehradun, underpinning causes, concerns, and technological interventions. Dehradun, Rishikesh and Kashipur were listed as non-attainment city, since then several city and state level initiatives have been promoted to monitor air pollution in mountain cities of Uttarakhand. Dr. Shridhar emphasized on the Air Action Plan which is underway for consideration at a higher-level while, Dr. Prabhu shared the information related to the exposure and impact of air pollution on vulnerable people. Most importantly, their presentations were free of technical jargon and scientific complexities for a wider understanding and reach.

Countries and cities need to tackle the issue with an all-hands-on desk approach.
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Stakeholder consultations for Integrated Management Planning of Pong Ramsar Site in Himachal Pradesh
Date: 23 ^thAugust - 1^st September, 2022
CEDAR team planned a ten days field trip to Pong Dam Lake wetland, a Ramsar Site in Himachal Pradesh,to conduct stakeholder consultations in order to support integrated management planning for the Pong Ramsar site. During this visit, 08 stakeholder meetings and 01 KII was conducted in Fatehpur and Pragpur blocks of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, with various stakeholder groups such as Fisheries cooperatives, Panchayats, Regional Water Sports Centre and private hotels and guest houses including Mahila Mandal Dals and SHGs. The village Pradhan, panchayat secretary, ward members, farmers, members of SHGs and Manal dals, social activists, fisheries officer, members from fisheries cooperatives and fishermen’s and others were among those who attended these meeting. Dr. Renu Suyal of CEDAR gave an introductory session on pong wetland rules and regulations, key values, and threats. In addition, CEDAR team facilitated a group exercise aimed at prioritising current and potential threats, drivers of change, and potential solutions and challenges w.r.t Pong wetland. These meetings were part of the project, “Stakeholder Consultation for Integrated Management Planning of Renuka and Pong Ramsar Site in Himachal” in partnership with the Peoples Science Institute, Dehradun, funded by GIZ (Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit), India.
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Digital data collection and analysis using KoBoToolbox

Date: 29 ^th- 31^st July, 2022
The three-day training aim to enhance the capacity of participants to use KoBoToolbox – a digital data collection tool for quantitative surveys organized by ICIMOD. The Training involved an Introduction to digital data collection: KoboToolbox/setting up KoBo account, followed by deployment of forms/dummy data collection exercises/troubleshooting on issues, Data visualization in KoBo with a session related to Environmental Justice: Protecting the vulnerable from air pollution, and, Just transition: Ensuring inclusive benefits and reducing unintended negative consequences on vulnerable groups. The training program was organized under our ongoing project “Cities study on exposure and impact of air pollution in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
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Stakeholder meetings for Integrated Management Planning of Pong Ramsar Site in Himachal Pradesh

Date: 14 ^th- 22^th July, 2022
CEDAR and the PSI team planned a nine-day field trip to Pong Dam Lake wetland, a Ramsar Site in Himachal Pradesh, to conduct stakeholder consultations in order to support integrated management planning for the Pong Ramsar site. During this visit, 07 stakeholder meetings were held in Dhera and Nagrota blocks of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, with various stakeholder groups such as fisheries cooperatives, panchayats including Mahila Mandal Dals and SHGs. The village Pradhan, panchayat secretary, ward members, farmers, social activists, fisheries officer, members from fisheries cooperatives and fishermen’s and others were among those who attended these meeting. Dr. Renu Suyal of CEDAR gave an introductory session on pong wetland rules and regulations, key values, and threats. In addition, CEDAR and team from Peoples Science Institute, Dehradun, facilitated a group exercise aimed at prioritising current and potential threats, drivers of change, and potential solutions and challenges w.r.t Pong wetland. These meetings were part of the project, “Stakeholder Consultation for Integrated Management Planning of Renuka and Pong Ramsar Site in Himachal” in partnership with the Peoples Science Institute, Dehradun, funded by GIZ (Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit), India.
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