PESHAWAR
Speakers at a two-day International Conference on Monday called for viable solutions for bringing sustainability in utilization of natural resources and effective implementation of existing laws to further prevent wastage of natural resources.
The conference “Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources 2023” was organized by the National Centre of Excellence in Geology, University of Peshawar in collaboration with National Centre of GIS & Space Applications (NCGSA), Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad.
The Pro Vice Chancellor of UoP Prof Dr Zahid Anwar in his opening remarks said the academia will look into the viable solutions for bringing sustainability in utilization of natural resources.
He hoped that this opportunity would provide a platform for building long lasting relationships between academia and other stakeholders.
Director NCEG Dr Liaqat Ali highlighted the research strengths of NCEG in all fields of earth sciences.
He informed that NCEG has 17 state of the art laboratories, providing maximum opportunities for research and development.
GIS & Space Applications in Geosciences (G-SAG) Lab has been established with a cost of more than Rs95 million to cover the domains of geohazards, geological applications, water resource dynamics and forest resource assessment.
“NCEG has been publishing the research Journal of Himalayan Earth Sciences since 1964,”he added.
Chairman NCGSA Dr Najam Abbas Naqvi said that real development lies in the advancement of human resources of the country.
He reiterated that his institute is ready to collaborate with academia and industry right from north to south in the country so that the data collected through satellite, GIS and space applications are utilized for the welfare of society.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the Conference, Additional Director, Pakistan Science Foundation Dr Ghazala Yasmeen stressed the need for seeking appropriate solution to the issues of country through applied research.
Chairman, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation and Director, General Geological Survey of Pakistan, Dr Sajjad Ahmed urged that we should concentrate on applied research in minerals to ensure considerable growth of Gross Domestic products.
Provincial Secretary, Minerals Development Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Amer Latif stressed that the government was trying its level best to manage minerals in the province and control its pilferages.
He said that keynote speakers from Netherlands, China, Malaysia, Japan and Oman will present their valuable research during the conference.
A special exhibition was also arranged on this occasion in which stalls of gems and gemmology were set up by NCEG and the private sector.
Professor Emeritus and renowned geologistProf. Dr. Muhammad Qasim Janand Prof Dr Muhammad Tahir Shah also participated in the Conference, which was also attended by a large number of students, researchers and representatives from the mineral industry.
The event was attended by a large number of professionals associated with the field geology, minerals, students and will continue from March 13 to 14.
