This program was supported by Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and hosted by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The workshop was undertaken by Chinese Committee on ICIMOD (CNICIMOD). About 20 people attended the workshop.

Initiate Workshop on Koshi Basin Program (by IMHE)

Dr. Deng Wei, director of IMHE met with delegation from ICIMOD and Tribhuvan University of Nepal before the workshop, and exchanged ideas about the implementation of the program and further collaboration with ICIMOD and Tribhuvan University. Dr. Xiong Donghong, director of the science and technology department of IMHE gave welcome address and a brief introduction on IMHE works at opening ceremony. Dr. Arun Shrestha and Shahriar Wahid from ICIMOD introduced ICIMOD river basin programme and workshop objectives, and approach, progress and partnership arrangement in KBP respectively. Prof. Narendra Khanal from Tribhuvan Uiversity and Dr. Chen Ningsheng and Fang Yiping from IMHE reported the research foundation, approach and work plan of Koshi water hazards part and socio-economic and environment part in Nepal, China respectively. Participants discussed and reached consensus on the objective, approach, and action plan of the program, and thus lay a good foundation for the smooth implementation of the program. 

During the meeting, participants went to earthquake-stricken area to investigate debris flow prevention projects in Wenchuan.

Koshi Basin originates in Tibet Autonomous Region of China, and flows through China, Nepal and India, is one of extremely important transboundary rivers in South Asian region. In 2009, CNICIMOD applied a CAS External Cooperation Program “Geo-Surface Processes and Regional Adaptation to Climate Change in Himalaya Region. This project was funded by the Bureau of International Cooperation, CAS, and implemented by IMHE, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resource Research, CAS, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, CAS, Chengdu Institute of Biology, CAS, ICIMOD and Central Department of Geography of Tribhuvan University. The achievements have been made after nearly three years of concerted efforts, which resulted in a well research foundation and formed a sound international cooperation group that is a key for the Koshi basin Programme.

The Koshi Basin Programme (KBP) is undertaken to improve integrated river basin management by providing policy-relevant knowledge on integrated water management and potential impacts from environmental and climate change. A further objective is to improve understanding on adaptation and livelihood strategies in the context of those changes. The programme is supported by the AusAID for the period 2012-2016. IMHE participated in the organization and application of the project.