In a significant stride towards bolstering water resource management, the inaugural meeting of the Nepal-Australia Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) took place in Kathmandu on November 23. Secretary Sushil Chandra Tiwari from the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat and Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal, Felicity Volk, co-chaired this pivotal gathering under a newly inked Memorandum of Understanding on Water Resource Management.
Highlighted in a statement by the Australian Embassy, the JAC serves as a pivotal platform fostering bilateral engagement in crucial domains of mutual interest. This encompasses extensive areas such as river basin planning and governance, the intricate energy-water nexus, spring shed revitalization, hydrometeorology, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk reduction strategies.
The meeting heralded the endorsement of a collaborative work program, embracing initiatives like the Kamala River Basin Action Plan, bolstering support for the Nepal Basin Information System, modeling water sources in Pokhara and Tulsipur for efficient water allocation in commercial and domestic spheres, and orchestrating a comprehensive training regimen for federal and provincial officials. This training, leveraging Australia’s expertise in integrated river basin management, is slated to commence in January 2024, as per the statement.
The JAC membership encompasses eminent Director Generals from various Nepali departments, accompanied by representatives from Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.
Distinguished Australian experts, Dr. Jane Doolan of Australia’s Murray Darling Basin Authority, and Simon Krohn from the Australian Water Partnership, offered insights into Australia’s water and energy sector reforms. They engaged in a spectrum of public activities, including guest lectures, policy seminars, and podcasts, fostering robust dialogue and knowledge exchange.
This collaborative effort between Nepal and Australia promises significant advancements in water resource management, encapsulating expertise, shared knowledge, and progressive strategies for sustainable development.
