Srinagar, Aug 6 (KNS) – A high-level policy dialogue on leveraging nature-based solutions (NBS) for fiscal diversification and climate resilience in Jammu and Kashmir concluded here on Friday, with experts and officials emphasising the need to mainstream NBS into policy, planning, and financing frameworks.
The dialogue, held at Amar Singh Club, was the concluding session of a four-day international conference on 'Nature-Based Solutions for Enhanced Climate Resilience and Livelihoods in the Himalayas,' organised by the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).
The session brought together representatives from government, academia, industry, civil society, and financial institutions to deliberate on addressing interconnected challenges of climate risk, fiscal pressure, and youth unemployment through investments in natural systems.
In his opening remarks, IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A Romshoo stressed the need to place nature-based solutions at the centre of inclusive and climate-resilient development. Special guest Prof. V. K. Gaur, Emeritus Scientist at CSIR--Fourth Paradigm Institute, spoke on nature-inspired approaches to environmental management.
Senior government officials, including Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Science & Technology Department, Ms.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelBabila Rakwal, and the Deputy Secretary, Disaster Management Department, J&K, participated in the deliberations. They noted that while several enabling policies and programmes are already in place, there is a need to systematically incorporate NBS approaches into implementation.
Participants highlighted critical gaps, including data limitations, fragmented sectoral planning, and a continuing disconnect between policy formulation and implementation, identifying these as key areas requiring coordinated action.
The business and financial sectors were represented by Mr. Zuhaib Vaid, Regional Head, J&K and Ladakh, Government Banking, ICICI Bank, and Mr. Rakesh Magotra, Chief Compliance Officer, among others.
The dialogue concluded with discussions on strategic research, policy, and financing priorities for the Jhelum River Basin and the wider Himalayas, including the need for a collaborative platform linking science, government, communities, and the private sector.
Conference Convener Prof. Javed Hussain Mir and Co-Conveners Dr. Tariq Abdullah, Dr. Irfan Maqbool, and Dr. Jasia Bashir were also present during the concluding deliberations. (KNS)