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Outcomes of the Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024): Planetary Health—A Local Discourse

Author

Listed:
  • Suvechhya Bastola

    (Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

  • Maria Alba Abad

    (Institute for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
    Engage Nepal with Science, Edinburgh EH32 0TD, UK)

  • Anurag Adhikari

    (Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences, Lalitpur 44700, Nepal)

  • Gaurav Adhikari

    (Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

  • Aagat Awasthi

    (School of Education, Kathmandu University, Lalitpur 44703, Nepal)

  • Ashim Dhakal

    (Phutung Research Institute, Kathmandu 44611, Nepal)

  • Rijan Maharjan

    (Phutung Research Institute, Kathmandu 44611, Nepal)

  • Rojlina Manandhar

    (Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

  • Rukumesh Paudyal

    (Himalayan Environment Research Institute, Kathmandu 44602, Nepal)

  • Sunil Pokhrel

    (University of Nepal Development Board, Kathmandu 44604, Nepal)

  • Amina Singh

    (University of Nepal Development Board, Kathmandu 44604, Nepal)

  • Neha Shrestha

    (Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

  • Lekhendra Tripathee

    (Himalayan Environment Research Institute, Kathmandu 44602, Nepal)

  • Remco Kort

    (Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment (A-LIFE), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

  • Prajwal Rajbhandari

    (Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Kathmandu 44614, Nepal)

Abstract

The Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024), held in Godawari, Nepal, from 21 to 24 April 2024, aimed to address planetary health challenges within the local context of Nepal while fostering global dialogue. Bringing together 240 participants from 10 countries, including 20 international invited speakers, the conference sought to explore the intersections of human health, environmental sustainability, and societal well-being. Jointly organized by the Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology (RIBB), the University of Nepal Development Board (UoN-DB), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA), and the Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI) and co-organized by Phutung Research Institute (PRI), Kathmandu Research Institute for Biological Sciences (KRIBS), Engage Nepal with Science (ENwS), and Kathmandu Center for Research and Education (KCRE), the conference represented a collaboration of 15 institutions and companies. With attendees from diverse backgrounds—academia, research institutes, private companies, NGOs, and government organizations—the conference featured a robust program of keynotes, workshops, panel discussions, focus group discussions, and oral and poster presentations. Thematic focuses included sessions on Air and Water, Climate Change, Ecology, Evolutionary and Environmental Sciences, and Global Health. A major highlight was the recognition of Nepal’s rich biodiversity and its vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The event drew inspiration from the European Planetary Health Hub, convening and exploring sustainable, locally relevant solutions to global planetary health issues. Outcomes of the conference included new research collaborations, an enhanced focus on interdisciplinary approaches to biodiversity conservation, and a deeper understanding of how indigenous knowledge can play a crucial role in environmental sustainability. Additionally, ICBB-2024 set a precedent for eco-friendly conferencing practices by emphasizing sustainability throughout the event. In conclusion, ICBB-2024 succeeded in fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration, inspiring both local and global actions to address pressing planetary health challenges. The event underscored the importance of integrating science, policy, and traditional knowledge in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for planetary health.

Suggested Citation

  • Suvechhya Bastola & Maria Alba Abad & Anurag Adhikari & Gaurav Adhikari & Aagat Awasthi & Ashim Dhakal & Rijan Maharjan & Rojlina Manandhar & Rukumesh Paudyal & Sunil Pokhrel & Amina Singh & Neha Shre, 2025. "Outcomes of the Fifth International Conference on Bioscience and Biotechnology, 2024 (ICBB-2024): Planetary Health—A Local Discourse," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jchals:v:16:y:2025:i:1:p:18-:d:1613623
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Remco Kort & Jeremy Pivor & Josep M. Antó & Annemarie Bergsma & Peter J. Blankestijn & Olette Bollen & Egid van Bree & Joyce L. Browne & Judith de Bruin & Jasper Buikx & Chiara Cadeddu & Jennifer Cole, 2023. "Outcomes from the First European Planetary Health Hub Convening at ARTIS in Amsterdam," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Uttam Babu Shrestha & Asheshwor Man Shrestha & Suman Aryal & Sujata Shrestha & Madhu Sudan Gautam & Hemant Ojha, 2019. "Climate change in Nepal: a comprehensive analysis of instrumental data and people’s perceptions," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 154(3), pages 315-334, June.
    3. Remco Kort & Koen Arts & Josep M. Antó & Matty P. Berg & Gabrielle Cepella & Jennifer Cole & Amarylle van Doorn & Tomás van Gorp & Milo Grootjen & Joyeeta Gupta & Colin Hill & Eva van der Heide & Jef , 2023. "Outcomes from the First European Planetary Health Congress at ARTIS in Amsterdam," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-30, December.
    4. Chhetri, Bir Bahadur Khanal & Johnsen, Fred Hakon & Konoshima, Masashi & Yoshimoto, Atsushi, 2013. "Community forestry in the hills of Nepal: Determinants of user participation in forest management," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 6-13.
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