About the training
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), under the SERVIR-HKH initiative in collaboration with Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, is organising a three-day training on using Geographic Information System (GIS) for municipal planning in Nepal. This training is being conducted in response to the critical need to develop the capacity of municipal governments to use spatial data tools effectively for municipal planning and management.
Objectives
The objective of this training is to strengthen the capacity of key professionals from selected municipalities in the Dhading district, Nepal, on the use of GIS, enabling them to use the knowledge for municipal planning.
Expected outcomes
Upon completing the training, participants will be equipped to use and analyse the geospatial data to support planning and decision making in their municipalities.
Expected participants
The training will include 20 participants from selected municipalities in the Dhading district.
Resource Persons/Facilitators
- Rajesh Bahadur Thapa, Science and Data Lead, SERVIR-HKH, ICIMOD
- Poonam Tripathi, Geospatial Training Analyst, ICIMOD
- Manish Shrestha, Hydrologist, ICIMOD
- Kranti Kandel, GIS Instructor, Shree Chandrodaya Secondary School, Bishaltar
- Keshab Kandel, Vice Principal, Shree Chandrodaya Secondary School, Bishaltar
- Rajesh Shrestha, Programme Associate – SERVIR-HKH, ICIMOD
Background
Natural disasters, such as floods, storms, wildfires, and earthquakes, are sudden and dangerous events that can severely disrupt lives and the environment, increasingly posing threats to human lives and property. Floods may result from heavy rainfall, dam failures, or melting snow, while wildfires spread quickly in dry, windy conditions in forests or grasslands.
As Nepal shifts its focus from disaster response to disaster risk reduction, the integration of science-based applications using Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) and Earth Observation (EO) becomes crucial for understanding and mitigating disaster risks. Leveraging these technologies is essential for enhancing our understanding to manage and mitigate these risks effectively. In this context, Local Governments and municipalities play a pivotal role, as they are directly responsible for planning and development. By utilising GIS and EO technologies, municipal governments can effectively manage and analyse spatial data related to land use, infrastructure, and environmental conditions. These tools enable municipalities to visualise complex data through maps and models, facilitating better-informed decisions and efficient resource allocation. For instance, GIS can help municipalities with urban planning, identifying areas prone to natural disasters, planning evacuation routes, and managing emergency response efforts. However, capacity gaps and resource limitations have often hindered the development of tailored solutions for hazard-related issues in the HKH region. ICIMOD’s SERVIR-HKH Initiative, a joint initiative between U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has been working to bridge this gap by introducing efficient and cost-effective training programmes to address the needs of various users in utilising GIT and EO. Raising awareness and equipping municipal professionals with the knowledge of GIS and EO tools will enable them to use GIS datasets for risk-sensitive municipal planning, leading to more, leading to more informed decision making in their municipalities.
