Benefiting from Earth Observation:
Bridging the Data Gap for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan
Region
Special Event:
Youth Forum Empowering Youth with Earth Observation Information for Climate Actions
1-6 October 2010, ICIMOD, Kathmandu
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1. Background and Rationale
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Climate change has been the defining environmental issue of our times affecting
every segment of society in one way the other. Climate change has put the Himalayan
region in center of the international attention - as one of the most vulnerable
ecosystems in the world severely impacting its social and environmental security
of the region. As a result, the dynamics of life support systems on these ecosystems
are threatened and traditional adaptation and coping mechanisms of the mountain
people are losing their effectiveness. The Himalayan region deserves much more attention
from local to global levels as a ‘hotspot of climate change’ and calls for urgent
action. Raising awareness among youth and engaging them in action on the ground
will be an important factor in addressing climate change in the Himalaya. Though
young people are increasingly adding their voices globally to the call for action
on climate change, awareness among youths in the region is limited.
It is estimated that more than 1.3 people are directly dependent upon the various
ecosystem services from the mountains. Mountain ecosystem of the Himalayan region
also bears important global significance. Climate change is one of the most critical
global concerns of this generation where the youth of the region will face enormous
challenges in future. It is therefore important bring about awareness among youth
and actively engage them in areas of preparedness, risk reduction, adaptation and
mitigation. Youths have innovative ideas, knowledge and abundant energy to undertake
local actions. Youth can play “agent for change” and act as effective communicators
in their communities and be involved in regional and international arenas.
Earth observation is proving to be vital tool to improve our understanding the climate
change phenomenon by providing information on the changes on various attributes
which are indicators to climate change. Information derived from earth observation
for weather, agriculture, glaciers, forest, air and many other applications will
generate significant benefits in a number of areas in visualizing the impact of
climate change and take appropriate actions. Educating and exposure to such innovative
tools and technologies to youth will help in creating rapid response on issues related
climate change in the Himalaya.
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2. Objective
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This special event on youth forum is being organized in recognition of the fact
that climate change in the Himalaya has far reaching consequences on livelihoods
of mountain downstream people and their environment. The event will bring together
youth from the region (ICIMOD member countries) with an aim to familiarize them
on potential benefits of earth observation derived information and demonstrate practical
actions in addressing climate change related issues. The forum will bring together
climate champions from the region and will provide a regional platform to share
and learn experiences regarding climate change issues in the Himalaya. The event
will provide opportunity among youths to familiarize with basic RS/GIS skills with
practical hands-on sessions, demonstrate case studies related to use of EO in climate
actions, internet related resources and project work to take local action in community.
The event is supported by USAID and organized by NASA and ICIMOD together with local
youth network and voluntary organizations.
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3. Approach
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Already there exist some youth networks dedicated to advocating climate change issues
in the region. However, these networks have less knowledge or familiarity in the
benefits of using earth observation in addressing climate change related issues.
ICIMOD will be soon hosting the SERVIR Himalaya for operational geospatial data
services for regional visualization and decision support for climate change adaptation
in the region. It is envisaged that this will help developing resources, activities
and the mechanisms to enhance awareness, access to information on climate change.
The event will engage youth in exposing to the SERVIR Himalaya initiative and its
use to the public at large.
ICIMOD will facilitate two already existing youth networks groups to carry out the
task. Further, these networks will be mobilized to disseminate and train youths
among their networks in creating awareness on SERVIR Himalaya. Following are the
youth networks and more such network in the region will be explored.
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- Nepalese Youth for Climate Action (NYCA) is a coalition of Nepali youth and
youth groups formed with an aim to tackle climate change. NYCA works with universities,
schools, organizations, and communities at national and international level to protect
our future from the threats posed by climate change.
- GIS Society of Nepal is a voluntary organization of GIS and RS professionals
to promote the use of spatial science, technology and applications in Nepal. The
society has a membership base of more than 400 GIS professionals.
4. Intended Audience
- 15 young climate change enthusiasts, media persons, youth activists, development
professionals from Nepal.
- 4-5 youths from each ICIMOD member countries
5. Expected Outcome
- Active youth network in the Himalayan region;
- Increased visibility of SERVIR Himalaya among youth group;
- Awareness on benefits of earth observation for climate change related issues;
Please click here to download
the Special Event (Youth Forum) schedule. Please note that this is a tentative Special
Event schedule.
If you have any queries, please contact us at: tmahat@icimod.org
To apply for participation in this forum, please use this form
http://bit.ly/defa4g
Note: Applications from people aged 18-29 years (by 1 September 2010) coming
from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Myanmar or Pakistan will
only be entertained. Considerations maybe made to attain a balanced group with regards
to scientific discipline, geographical coverage and gender.
Applications can be registered upto 1 September 2010. Accepted applicants will be
notified by 6 September 2010.