Benefiting from Earth Observation:
Bridging the Data Gap for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan
Region
Background:
Introduction
The
Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region is the youngest, highest, and one of the most
fragile mountain systems in the world. Known as the ‘water tower’ of Asia, the region
boasts the largest concentration of snow and glaciers outside the polar regions
and contains the headwaters of the 10 largest river basins in Asia. The HKH region
is a reservoir of biodiversity and includes all or part of four Global Biodiversity
Hotspots. More recently, climate change has placed the Himalayan region at the centre
of international attention as one of the most vulnerable ecosystems in the world,
as it is leading to severe impacts on mountain and downstream communities and their
environments. The dynamics of the life support systems that rely on the HKH ecosystems
are threatened, and the traditional adaptation and coping mechanisms of the local
people are losing their effectiveness. ICIMOD and its national and international
partners are working to build regional capacity and develop relevant knowledge bases
in relation to key strategies and policies for improving adaptation to climate change
for mountain communities at risk.
Earth observation in the Himalayan context
The
systematic collection of data and information about the HKH mountain system is critical
for improved understanding of climate change, and its trends and impacts, and for
predicting future scenarios. Data and information derived from Earth observation
are proving increasingly vital to gaining insights about regional status and trends,
especially about climatic and broader environmental changes of a transboundary nature
and their implications at the global level. ICIMOD, through its Mountain Environment
and Natural Resources’ Information System (MENRIS) Division, is promoting geo-information
and Earth observation technology and applications for sustainable mountain development
in the HKH region. Together with its partners, ICIMOD is focusing on building new
and emerging partnerships for access to, and use of, satellite data, technology,
and know-how, and to foster regional cooperation to bridge the important data gaps
and share relevant knowledge for adaptation to climate change and on key aspects
of mountain development.
Objectives
The primary objective of the international symposium is to foster regional and international
cooperation to promote the use of, and access to, Earth observation for improved
scientific knowledge and understanding for adaptation to climate change in the HKH
region. More specifically, it aims to:
- build synergies with national, regional, and international initiatives for the sharing
of Earth observation data in order to develop a regional database and relevant products;
- promote regional cooperation among ICIMOD’s regional member countries to foster
Himalayan spatial data infrastructure (H-SDI) to support climate change adaptation;
- promote a common approach and methodology to develop key Earth observation applications
in the areas of climate change adaptation for improved scientific knowledge and
understanding; and
- provide a regional platform for the strengthening of international networking through
sharing and mutual learning.
Expected Participants
The participants are expected to include scientists, professionals, researchers,
academics, development practitioners, and policymakers from ICIMOD’s regional member
countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan),
international participants and resource persons, representatives of donor agencies,
regional and international space agencies, industry partners, and students, as well
as participants from other mountain regions around the world.
Date
4 - 6 October 2010
Venue
Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Kathmandu, Nepal