A four day training workshop on Environment was conducted by South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE) on the theme that environmental degradation is a national emergency and a global threat.
Fifteen researchers from Pakistani universities were trained on environmental issues by international experts between September 14-17. The workshop imparted practical tools to participants to develop research proposals under the guidance and assistance of master trainers. The proposals submitted to SANDEE would be considered for grants to pursue various environmental projects across Pakistan
The speakers highlighted the political dimensions of climate change in Pakistan in particular and the world in general. SDPI Senior Capacity Building Specialist Atif Khan said that the workshop “provides an opportunity to students to familiarize themselves with research concepts, techniques, proposal writing and existing South Asian research on the subject.” SANDEE director Priya Shaymsundar, addressing the audience said that the scientific community had proved the climate change skeptics wrong and climate change is a reality. She also briefed participants on significant socio-economic impacts of climate change at local levels and advised researchers to develop indigenous tools and perspectives on climate change. She added that, SANDEE is providing grants to university students for research on environmental economics.
Concluding the session, SDPI Head Economic Growth Unit, Waqar Ahmed emphasized the need of a comprehensive institutional response on climate change in Pakistan. He said that there is a dire need for better governance, effective implementation of polices and putting to use the social capital available in the country for prudent environment interventions.
