Kathmandu, Apr. 24: A conference on “People, Environment and Himalayan Landscape” began here other day.

Participating in the two-day conference jointly organized by Tribhuwan University, CPNAS and the Paris-based national scientific research centre are scholars from Nepal and France. The scholars of the two countries are scheduled to present their respective study reports and discuss them.

Minister of State for Education and Sports Dilendra Prasad Badu, inaugurating the conference, spoke of the need for sociologists, planners and researchers to first understand the relationship between man and nature.

Stating that man’s reckless treatment of nature has resulted in drought, earthquakes, etc, Mr Badu said we have to make use of nature judiciously.

He also expressed concern over the adverse effect on nature caused by the application of modern technologies brought about by man for their own interests.

French Ambassador Michel Lumoux, director of the Paris-based National Scientific Research Centre Prof Dr Fernard Mayor and Prof Dr Tirtha Prasad Mishra also expressed their views at the function chaired by dean of the institute of science and technology Prof Dr Krishna Manandhar who is also holding the portfolio of TU Vice Chancellor.

Meanwhile, the Tribhuvan University, Centre for Nepal and Asian Studies (C-NAS) and the French National Scientific Research Centre Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding on mutual cooperation between them in the field of scientific research.

According to the Tribhuvan University information section, executive director of the C-NAS Prof. (Dr.) Tirtha Prasad Mishra and director of the French National Scientific Research Centre Prof. (Dr.) Fernand Meyer signed on the memorandum of understanding on behalf of their respective sides. The memorandum of understanding is for a five year term

Under the agreement, C-NAS and the French National Research Centre will work together in the field of academic, cultural and scientific research and educational development activities, it is learnt from the T.U. Information Section.