CAPACITY BUILDING ON CLIMATE VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AT SIAHA

Background: As a part of the project objective of the State Climate Change Cell, Climate Vulnerability Assessment of Mizoram at district level (Tier-1) was completed during phase-I for Agriculture Sector. A follow up, tier 2 assessment at village level is the mandate/action plan to be conducted at Siaha District, which is the most vulnerable district resulting out of the tier 1 assessment. However, as experienced in the previous year, data collection at village level for water resources sector covers for a span of almost two years which was hindered by irregular fund flow as well. Given the limited manpower strength of the State Climate Change Cell, it was very difficult task to carry out the field work by the project staff alone during short time frame. So, different approach is necessary.

A proposal was made to collaborate with Govt. Saiha College, Siaha District Mizoram for the project “Climate Vulnerability Assessment of Mizoram (Tier 2)” for Agriculture Sector. After verbal discussion with the Principal of the Govt. Kamalanagar College, Prof. Abdul Hannan Bharbhuiya, it was agreed in principle. Therefore, “Workshop on Climate Change & Capacity Building Programme on Climate Vulnerability Assessment” was tentatively planned on 4^th March 2024. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the programme was postponed and organized on 7^th March 2024 at Seminar Hall, Govt. Saiha College as an introductory initiative of the proposed collaboration (Programme enclosed in Annexure 1).

Aim of the Workshop:

• Workshop on climate change and relating issues to sensitise and aware the students and faculty of the college.
• To build their capacity on climate change vulnerability assessment at individual and institutional levels.
• Discussions and interactions on the upcoming collaborative works.

Report:

• The programme was started at 10:30 AM chaired by Miss Steffi C. Beingiachhiezi, Associate Professor, Govt. Saiha College who gave a welcome remark to the participants. After a round of introduction, the chairman mentioned the purpose and keynote of the programme.
• Mr Benjamin F. Nohro, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Govt. Saiha College gave a speech on the importance climate change subject, how it affects our environment and livelihood. He also stressed on the importance of taking good care of our environment as they have been degrading continuously ever since we have known. He also highlights the importance of the programme by mentioning the need for knowledge and learning experience can be gained out of the programme.
• In the technical session, Pu Lalthanpuia, Project Scientist-II, State Climate Change Cell, Mizoram Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC) delivered a talk on a topic: Climate Change and Its Issues: Mizoram Context. The topic stressed on the following points:
• Explanation of the term climate, weather, and climate change.
• Working of the global climate.
• Causes of climate change.
• Historical trend of recorded global climate change and challenges.
• Projected climate change scenarios and their probable impacts.
• Historical trend of recorded climate change and challenges in Mizoram
• Steps to address climate change issues and challenges.
• Results and findings of Vulnerability Assessment conducted for different sectors.
• A discussion on the follow up project collaboration was held after the presentation. As the New Education Policy 2020 is being implemented, the proposal is agreed to have a productive influence on the matter.
• The programme was ended after Pu Lalthanpuia gave a vote of thanks to all the organizers and participants.

A total of 135 students and faculties from all department of the college participated in the programme

Mr Benjamin F. Nohro, Associate Professor, Department of English, Govt. Saiha College addressing the programme and participants

Pu Lalthanpuia, Project Scientist-II, SCCC, MISTIC delivering presentation