Unless we understand how change is occurring, it is difficult to make projections and launch proper intervention. Making a presentation on 'Biodiversity in High Mountain Waters: Features, Threats and Needs', Dr Jacobsen suggested the establishment of a monitoring protocol between researchers and government with adequate funds so that research on mountain biodiversity could be sustained.
He further said the high mountain diversity is a least studied issue, but it is time to launch massive study on it as Nepal is a mountainous country and rich in diversity but vulnerable to climate change. Dr Jacobsn worried over the savage road construction, gravel mining and hydropower dams which were posing serious threats to mountain springs in Nepal. On the occasion, NWCF Chairperson Dr Ngamindra Dahal said Jacobsen's research on mountain ecology of water is beneficial to Nepali case as well. He informed that it was the 71st episode of Pani Satsang. As Nepal is in the front row of climate change vulnerability, the lecture on alpine water would help build and transfer knowledge on pressing issues surrounding fresh water, he added. The research and study on high mountain biodiversity would also help shape government policy and efforts on climate change adaptation, he believed. Similarly, Professor of Science and Environment at Kathmandu University, Bed Mani Dahal, viewed that Kathmandu University was keen on working together with academic institutions like NWCF and expert Jacobsen to amplify the research on water and mountain biodiversity because these areas bear huge significance. The Himalaya is known as the laboratory of biodiversity. Jacobsen shared at the program that he was interested in research on biodiversity in the Langtang Valley of Nepal and encouraged NWCF to carry out the works on it. A British team had conducted basic research on it three decades back, he reminded.
