As an approach to let young students and volunteers being aware about the environmental and health issues, WNSO-Nepal has hosted this workshop supported by Indoor air Pollution and Health forum.
Mr. Jagganath Kharel, general secretary of WNSO-Nepal started the session by welcoming all the volunteers, interested students from University and colleges, and Experts and other guest, Mr. Kharel brief about the objectives of Program and its various dimension. He mentioned about WNSO-Nepal approach approaches especially for children, Youth, volunteerism, education and nation building. Mr Sanjeeb Sangroula, Executive Member of WNSO-Nepal presented about WNSO-Nepal history, its activities in the past and the various projects undertaken by WNSO-Nepal in the Present and also about its future planning with special emphasis to Capacity Building and youth Leadership .
The one day program moved into the subject issue, Dr Sunil Kumar Joshi, President from WNSO-Nepal presented a base line information Nepalese population and indoor air quality status. Also the presentation showed high risk in health due to the ignition of biomass in the Kitchen. Nepalese rural families, more percent of married females are suffering from Respiratory diseases. The presentation also highlighted on its effects on childrens, smoker’s non-smokers and non-smokers adults comparatively.
The session of Mr. Han Heijen, Advisor of environmental health, World Health Organization, (WHO-Nepal) lighted the WHO-Nepal’s activities and its aims and objectives. Moving into the technicalities he introduces the issue of indoor Air quality, its monitoring, situation in Nepal and some mitigation measures. The improved quality on cooking system, proper use of house-construction materials, proper ventilation and many easy –measures answers for the issue.
Mr . Min Bikram Malla, Program officer from Practical Action, lighted about National policies on indoor air pollution reduction and minimization. He introduced the issue of Appropriate Technology in every sectors of development. The organization has been involved in up-liftment through rural aspects and some innovative appropriate technology. His presentation was focused on the areas of Indoor air Pollution, its sources and harsh effects. He introduced an alternative fuel source for Nepalese homes which is economically feasible. The biogas is the answer which not only reduces health effects but also improves the livelihood and creates the economic opportunities. Basically Solid fuels should not be used in respect to health and economic prosperity. Due to certain circumstances, the improved cooking system should be introduced for instance. But for long term vision he emphasizes clear energy use.
Mr. Keshav Kumar Sharma (Advocay Officer) from practical Action presented on clean domestic air as right tot life and healthy life. He emphasized clean air as basic human right .He also stated about the Kathmandu Declaration, 2008 aiming reduction of Indoor Air Pollution jointly signed by IAPHF, Practical Action and WHO-Nepal.
At the final momentum, the program moved into cross interaction among experts and participants. Students and volunteer raised their queries jointly addressed by the concerned experts.
The Next session was followed by Light Refreshments and informal sessions.
