E-Learning Platform
As communication technology and internet applications are rapidly evolving, opportunities arise to use these virtual
technologies in information sharing and distance education. This Web Based Training site within the GeoPortal aims to
provide education materials on-line that can help students, scientists, geo-spatial professionals of others interested in GIS,
Earth Observation and geospatial applications in different thematic areas.
We offer self explanatory presentations in different thematic areas elaborating on concepts, theoretical background,
illustrated with practical examples, mostly from within the HKH region. Similarly, materials for hands-on exercises are
provided, including manuals with instructions, references to required software as well as data that can be used for the
exercises. Main thematic areas we engage in are: Cryosphere and water, Biodiversity and ecosystems, Agriculture and food
security, Disaster and emergency response, Transboundary air quality and Black Carbon and Socio-economy and livelihood.
Apart from that we offer training materials the areas of GIS, Remote Sensing and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI).
Materials specifically targeted for Youth can be found on our youth page:
http://geoportal.icimod.org/TrainingAndEducation/youthcorner/Materials.aspx
Agriculture is a major livelihood activity in the HKH region, providing a substantial proportion of rural income and employment
opportunities for the estimated 210 million people who live in the hills and mountains. Food security is now emerging as a concern in
the Himalayas, with changes in weather patterns, the water cycle, and water availability, due to climate change. Remote sensing provides
an effective way of monitoring agricultural fields and providing a synoptic view of the result of field practices, which can then be processed to help agricultural scientists make appropriate decisions. Capacity building modules in this thematic area are being developed to address these issues.
The HKH region is the youngest and highest mountain range in the world. The weak geological conditions, steep topography, strong
hydrodynamics with short and intense seasonal monsoon rainfall and excessive human intervention have made this region very fragile and
unpredictable. The landslides, avalanches, floods, flash floods, debris flows from landslide dammed lakes and glacial lake outburst floods,
wildfires, and earthquakes are common hazards in the Himalayan range. Training has been provided and materials are being developed on the
use of geospatial tools and earth observation for disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
The HKH region is highly heterogeneous with a wide range of habitats, micro-climates, and ecological conditions resulting in a high
biodiversity. The appropriate data and information are required to underpin the complex decision-making needed to conserve ecosystems and
biodiversity, and attain sustainable development. Training under this thematic area is related to land cover dynamics, forest cover density
and REDD, and wetland ecosystems.
Geo-spatial tools and related technologies are useful for analysis of livelihoods of the mountain people in relation the resource
base and infrastructure, thus helping for better planning and implementation of development programmes. A number of application case
studies have been developed to support planning and decision making for the improvement of socio-economic and livelihood conditions.
The studies include at multiple spatial scales and cover a number of themes related socio-economic indicators mapping of individual RMCs,
development indicators of Nepal, linguistic mapping of the HKH region, municipal/town planning and geo-database development.
Training materials can be provided to facilitate the use of geo-spatial tools for socio-economic and livelihood issues.
Air quality is emerging as a serious concern in the HKH region. Anthropogenic air pollutants from industry, transportation sources,
biomass burning, and agricultural practices create intense haze on a regional scale, including a phenomenon called the Asian Brown Cloud.
Fine particles of soot (carbon), dust (silicates), sulphates, and nitrates are major components of the regional haze; these particles
accumulate locally and can be transported across the region. The problem of haze and its associated impact on human health, agricultural
productivity, and rainfall patterns is becoming more prominent in the region. Earth observation has a big potential for air quality
analysis and management in the HKH region. ICIMOD has contributed to put this issue on the regional agenda and has been involved in
training on the use of Earth Observation applications.
Cryosphere in the Himalayan region collectively describes the frozen state that includes snow cover, glaciers, ice caps, and
frozen ground (permafrost). It is an integral part of the global climate system with important linkages and feedbacks generated through
its influence on surface energy and moisture fluxes, clouds, precipitation, hydrology, and atmospheric and oceanic circulation. ICIMOD has
been involved over the several years in assessments of the Himalayan cryosphere, devising ways and means to bridge the information gap.
Within this thematic area there has also been a lot of effort in disseminating information as well as building capacity in the regional
member countries.