KATHMANDU: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has stressed the need for greater use of space technology, data sharing, and regional cooperation to mitigate complex disasters caused by climate change in the Himalayan region.
He made the remarks at the inaugural session of the Fifth Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Speaking at the event this morning, Minister Shrestha underscored the importance of regional cooperation and technological applications in addressing climate-related and geological disasters.
He drew the conference’s attention to the loss of lives and property and the damage to infrastructure, including hydropower projects under construction, caused by a recent avalanche in Lirung, Langtang, and a landslide in the Budhigandaki area.
According to the minister, a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment estimated the total losses caused by the disasters at around USD 2.7 billion, while approximately USD 4.8 billion would be required for reconstruction.
Welcoming the draft Bangkok Ministerial Declaration, Shrestha called for stronger satellite data-sharing mechanisms, improved early warning systems, and enhanced technical cooperation during the third phase of the initiative, covering 2026–2030.
He also reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and protecting and promoting clean energy systems, despite the country accounting for only 0.01 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Shrestha informed the gathering that a regional dialogue titled “Sagarmatha to the Sea: Lessons from the Bhote Koshi–Trishuli Disasters in Nepal for Strengthening Resilience to Cascading Hazards in Asia and the Pacific” would be held on Thursday, October 29, as a side event of the conference. The dialogue is being jointly organised by Nepal and UN ESCAP.
The minister said regional collaboration, timely access to reliable data, and the effective application of space technology are crucial to strengthening disaster preparedness and resilience across Asia and the Pacific.
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