KATHMANDU, Nov 22: A weeklong workshop on the impact of climate change on bacterial communities and the potential risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the cryosphere is underway in Kathmandu. The workshop started on Monday and will conclude on Sunday (November 24).
Organized under the Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO), the event marked World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, observed annually from November 18 to 24.
The one-day program brought together 35 participants, including researchers from Nepal and China, to discuss findings related to the Tibetan Plateau and polar regions. Ten presentations and two technical sessions explored the role of microbes in glacier and permafrost ecosystems, with a focus on combating the growing threat of drug-resistant pathogens under global warming.
Where is AMR rebellion?
Addressing the gathering, Tribhuvan University Rector Prof Khadga KC called for enhanced collaboration among universities, stakeholders, and governments to tackle the intertwined challenges of climate change and AMR. “Tribhuvan University is committed to contributing to global research efforts and addressing the climate crisis,” Prof. KC said, noting the institution’s status as a permanent ANSO member.
Led by Prof. Yongqin Liu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the workshop featured presentations from scientists representing Montana State University (USA), Aarhus University (Denmark), Tribhuvan University (Nepal), and Lanzhou University (China). Nepalis researchers Prof. Prakash Ghimire, Komal Raj Rijal, Dev Raj Joshi, and Reshma Tuladhar shared insights on microbial studies within Nepal’s cryosphere.
Chinese scientists Prof Mukan, Pengfei Liu, and Guannan Mao presented findings on AMR in the Tibetan Plateau and polar regions, emphasizing the urgency of regional and global research collaborations.
The workshop stressed the importance of understanding microbial functions in glaciers and assessing risks posed by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This research aims to safeguard cryosphere ecosystems and address challenges to human health, food security, and biodiversity caused by climate change.
Coordinated by Dr Namita Paudel Adhikari (Nepal) and Dr. Guannan Mao (China), the event set the stage for future collaborative studies across the Trans-Himalayan region.
