2 February 1996 Groundwork laid for NZ-Nepal research links

New Zealand's reputation for world-class research will be enhanced through a proposed new linkage with Nepal.

A "research association" between Nepal's sole university, Tribhuvan, and New Zealand's Lincoln University is the basis of the link, and the proposed first topic for joint investigation is the impact of tourism on rural communities in a developing nation.

Currently in New Zealand to discuss the association are the Dean of Nepal's Institute of Forestry, TB Karki, and the institute's Project Manager for the International Tropical Timber Organisation, SN Adhikary. The IOF is one of a number of institutes administered by Tribhuvan University.

Talks towards formalising the association have been held this week at Lincoln University, which has been receiving Nepali students since 1976. Lincoln staff, particularly from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, have been frequent visitors to the country on teaching and research projects and many of Nepal's senior government personnel in national parks work are Lincoln graduates.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.