The Ganga Connect Exhibition recently concluded in London on 25th November 2021. The global exhibition, which began in Glasgow, Scotland, following the successful culmination of COP-26 (Conference of the Parties) on 12th November 2021, highlighted 10 strategic initiatives.
Key Points About the Ganga Connect Exhibition
The Ganga Connect Exhibition is a global initiative showcasing various aspects of the river basin. It was brought to life by the collaborative efforts of the National Mission for Clean Ganga, the High Commission of India, and C-Ganga. Its objectives include engaging an international community of scientists, technology companies, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and finance professionals.
Objective and Significance of the Ganga Connect Exhibition
The objective of the exhibition was to demonstrate the progress in the Ganga River Basin’s development to a worldwide environmental stakeholder community. It served a significant role in creating awareness about preserving and protecting the Ganga and its ecosystem. The exhibition offered insight into the vast and complex Ganga riverine ecosystem and emphasized the essential spiritual and philosophical connections Indians have with the river.
Engagement and Developing Environmental Solutions
The exhibition provided engagement opportunities for interested parties and the diaspora. It also served as a platform for the development of advanced environmental solutions thanks to the river Ganga being a significant hub for global technology and scientific communities.
The Announcement of Key Initiatives
During the exhibition, numerous strategic initiatives were announced, including the establishment of Ganga Connect UK Community Engagement Chapters, twinning of rivers, a Scotland-India Water Partnership, an Impact Project using Arth Ganga Framework, a Ganga Finance and Investments Forum, an Environment Technology Verification (ETV) programme, Tech & Innovation Financing, UK-India Scientific Collaboration, a collaboration bridge between India and the UK, Global Youth for Ganga and a Clean Ganga Charity.
Community Engagements and Partnerships
The community engagement chapters were set up in Scotland, Wales, the Midlands, and London, aiming to connect various interest groups with the Namami Gange programme. The Scotland-India Water Partnership was also announced to build upon the MOU of National Mission for Clean Ganga and Government of Scotland MOU of 2017.
Financial Initiatives and Technology Verification
A number of investors and finance companies have established the Ganga Finance and Investments Forum (GFIF) to develop state-of-the-art financial instruments like river bonds, blue bonds, impact and outcome bonds, credit enhancement and guarantee instruments. Meanwhile, three innovative technologies have been selected and onboarded onto the Environment Technology Verification (ETV) programme.
Scientific Collaboration and Youth Engagement
UK-India scientific collaboration was initiated with multiple scientists and research institutions agreeing to form a knowledge pool for the exchange of scientific and technological ideas. Furthermore, ‘Global Youth for Ganga’ was launched to engage young students, researchers, and professionals worldwide in interdisciplinary discussions and raise awareness about the Clean Ganga Mission.
Concluding Initiatives
The final initiatives announced included an effort to establish a collaboration bridge between academic institutions in India and the UK focusing on river rejuvenation and conservation. Additionally, a charity set up process was expedited to mobilise communities and friends of Ganga in the coming months.
The Ganga Connect Exhibition served as a significant platform for environmental solutions, financial collaboration, scientific research, and youth engagement, all focused around the preservation and development of the Ganga River Basin.