Nepal’s Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has outlined a proposal to enhance disaster resilience and promote sustainable development through strengthened collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT). Speaking on October 29 at a symposium in Bangkok titled “Advancing Disaster Resilience in Asia through Research, Innovation and Partnerships: Resilient Rehabilitation and Recovery in Nepal,” Minister Shrestha emphasized the importance of practical cooperation to address the increasing risks posed by climate change, particularly in Nepal’s mountainous regions.

The event was jointly organized by the Nepali Embassy in Thailand and AIT and focused on the country’s rehabilitation efforts following recent disasters. During his address, Shrestha proposed five specific areas of partnership aimed at building a resilient mountain economy and supporting green growth in Nepal.

First, he called for collaborative research involving Nepali universities and research organizations to study safe mountain development. This would focus on identifying disaster-triggering factors such as vulnerable slopes and glacial lakes, as well as assessing infrastructure risks, with the goal of integrating the findings into planning and engineering practices.

Second, the minister highlighted the need to link satellite-based and ground-based monitoring systems with early warning mechanisms capable of delivering alerts directly to local communities, mobile devices, and hydropower project control rooms. He underscored the importance of developing affordable and sustainable technologies that Nepalese institutions could manage independently over time, with support from AIT.

The third proposed area involves joint research, professional training, and exchange programs to build the capacity of key stakeholders, including hydrologists, engineers, planners, and local officials, to better manage disaster risks and recovery processes.

Fourth, Shrestha suggested preparing a portfolio of projects ready for implementation through coordinated efforts involving the government, communities, private sector, and financial partners, ensuring inclusive participation and effective resource mobilization.

Lastly, he advocated for research, practical training, and technology transfer initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy, sustainable agriculture, medicinal herb cultivation, and responsible tourism. The minister stressed the importance of clearly defining lead agencies, allocating necessary resources, and identifying benefits for local communities in each initiative to guarantee tangible outcomes.

Addressing the broader context of disaster recovery, Shrestha highlighted the importance of climate justice and the integration of scientific risk assessments and early warning systems into reconstruction efforts. He noted that the recovery of the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Corridor would play a critical role in restoring trade, tourism, and clean energy flow in the region but emphasized that infrastructure rebuilding must be accompanied by measures ensuring safe and sustainable livelihoods.

Minister Shrestha concluded by expressing optimism that enhanced collaboration between Nepal and AIT would contribute significantly to a safer, greener, and more resilient mountain economy. He also reiterated his commitment to advancing the establishment of an AIT center within Nepal to facilitate ongoing research and capacity-building activities.