National Society for Earthquake Technology - Nepal (NSET) in association with United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD) organized a Public Seminar on “Japanese Practice of Earthquake Resistant Building Design and Building Permit Process and Its Relevance to Nepal” at the Russian Culture Centre, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu on 31 July 2007.

The UNCRD has initiated Housing Earthquake Safety Initiative (HESI) Project in Nepal together with national stakeholders including the Ministry of Local Development, Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC) and National Society for Earthquake Technology (NSET). The first HESI national workshop on “Enforcement and Dissemination of Building Code” is planned to be held on 2-4 August 2007 in Kathmandu targeting local government officers for increased awareness and development of effective permit system in their jurisdiction

The Seminar was thus held in Kathmandu as a pre-workshop event with the aim of disseminating the experience of Japan in safer construction and housing practice.

The objective of the seminar program was

• To share the experience and knowledge of Japan in building design and permit process with design professionals of Nepal
• To explore the relevance and potential adaptation of Japanese system in Nepal

The seminar was actively participated by 41 participants representing the Japanese Embassy, JICA, Ministry of Physical Planning and Works, DUDBC, UNCRD, KVTDC, NSET, Municipalities, Professional Societies and various Academic Institutions.

The seminar was fruitful in sharing the experiences and practices of Japan on Earthquake Resistant Building Design and Building Permit Process and further on the prospective of their adaptation in the Nepalese Context.