Peshawar (Khyber Mail): The 4th International Conference on Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources began today at the National Centre of Excellence in Geology (NCEG), Peshawar, bringing together global experts, researchers, and academics to discuss sustainable resource management. The two-day conference is sponsored by SUPARCO, Pakistan Science Foundation, PASTIC, Directorate of Soil and Water Conservation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Central South University (China), Giant Sequoia AI Technologies, and G-SAG, with various stakeholders exhibiting their work.
The inaugural session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Said Muhammad, followed by a keynote speech from Dr. Amjad Ali, Director General of the SPARC wing at SUPARCO Islamabad, who emphasized the importance of managing research data and using advanced analytics in geological studies. Distinguished scholars, including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qasim Jan and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Shah, highlighted the role of innovation and collaboration in sustainable resource utilization. NCEG Director Prof. Dr. Liaqat Ali expressed gratitude to participants and commended the organizers for hosting a conference of international significance.
Prominent researchers presented their work on various aspects of natural resource management. Dr. Cem Tokatli from Trakya University, Türkiye, discussed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Meriç–Ergene River Basin’s water quality. Prof. Dr. Sardar Khan from the University of Peshawar addressed drinking water quality and associated health risks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Prof. Dr. Khan Shahzada from UET Peshawar advocated for climate-resilient innovations in building materials, while Dr. Irfan Ullah from Bacha Khan University, Charsadda, shared insights on debris flow modeling using geophysical and remote sensing techniques.
In a notable presentation, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal from NIBGE Faisalabad showcased the success of indigenous, low-cost floating treatment wetlands technology in Pakistan. Dr. Rehan Mehmood from the Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad, highlighted the transformative role of CubeSats in space exploration and environmental monitoring.
A special session, sponsored by SUPARCO, focused on space science and remote sensing applications in environmental sustainability. Dr. Amjad Ali and Dr. Said Rahman from SPARC emphasized the role of space technology in resource management and climate monitoring, while other experts discussed geospatial applications in environmental assessment.
International perspectives enriched the conference’s discourse. Prof. Dr. Laura Zucconi from the University of Tuscia, Italy, presented research on Antarctic soil fungi and climate change. Mr. Muhammad Shahab from King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, delivered a virtual presentation on the spatiotemporal evolution of water bodies in the Tarbela Dam region using satellite-based technology.
Other speakers included Prof. Dr. Bushra Khan from the University of Peshawar, who discussed environmental studies, and Dr. Zahid Rauf from the Pakistan Forest Institute, who shared research on climate reconstruction using dendrochronology. Mr. Subhan Ullah from NCEG presented a comparative geotechnical study of limestone and dolostone, while Dr. Muhammad Waseem from UET Peshawar emphasized the importance of seismic zoning maps for sustainable infrastructure. Mr. Shahab Alam from Bahria University highlighted the impact of marble wastewater on the River Kabul.
The conference serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and advancing research to address the pressing challenges in sustainable resource management.