STAFF REPORT IBD: Environment has become a national emergency and a non-traditional security threat, which necessitates enhanced research capacities to cope with daunting challenges of environmental degradation and climate change.
Researchers stressed this during a workshop “Environmental and Natural Resource Economics” recently organized by SDPI and the South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE), Nepal.
As many as 15 young researchers from Pakistani universities mastered the art of research in environmental economics during the 4-day training workshop.
The workshop provided practical training and participants developed research proposals under the guidance and assistance of master trainers.
On the occasion, participants proposals submitted to SANDEE would be considered for grants to pursue various environmental projects across Pakistan. Workshop also featured policy lectures that highlighted political economy of climate change reforms in Pakistan.
“Workshop is aimed at building research capacities of young Pakistani researchers in area of environment and natural resource economics,” said Atif Khan, Senior Capacity Building Specialist at SDPI in his remarks.
Talking of building capacities in research, Priya Shaymsundar, Director SANDEE, said that SANDEE is providing grants to young university researchers for working on new and innovative research projects in the area of environmental economics.
Speaking at concluding session, Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Head Economic Growth Unit, SDPI pointed out the disconnect between policy and research and said, Pakistani academia is producing research which is socially irrelevant.