In an effort to enhance flood and landslide risk management, specialists from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources completed training conducted by NASA experts. The focus of the training will be on utilizing geospatial technology to strengthen risk management strategies and urban planning.
The training program, supported by Servir-Global, a collaborative initiative between NASA and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will equip a group of experts from the Observatory of Threats and Natural Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) with advanced skills in geospatial technology.
Living in a region prone to extreme weather events such as floods and landslides, the use of geospatial technology becomes an essential tool for remote detection of hydrometeorological events. Satellite data provides an enhanced view of vulnerable areas, facilitating risk identification. According to the ministry, calibrating hydrological and hydraulic models with geospatial data provides accurate estimates of the impact on infrastructure, enabling effective response planning.
«The geospatial technology not only contributes to risk assessment but also integrates into urban planning. From identifying safe areas for development to implementing mitigation strategies, these tools are fundamental in building resilient communities,» stated the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Luis Menjívar, the director of the observatory, emphasized the widespread use of spatial information in all relevant areas. «Combining geographical information with the variable of time allows us to provide utility in all stages of risk management, contributing not only to preparation and emergency response but also to urban planning,» reiterated Menjívar.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and NASA signifies a proactive step towards harnessing advanced technology for disaster management, ensuring a more prepared and resilient community in the face of natural hazards.