The United States has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience in Central America through advanced satellite technology. The SERVIR Central America center, a collaboration between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), NASA, and the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), will provide crucial geospatial data to help local authorities make informed decisions on issues like agriculture, food security, air quality, health, and water security.

SERVIR Central America will leverage satellite data to address urgent environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, coastal ecosystem degradation, and climate crises like hurricanes and droughts. The project also emphasizes gender equity and social inclusion, ensuring that all communities benefit from the initiative.

With an estimated initial investment of $6.6 million over five years (2024-2029), SERVIR Central America will offer innovative solutions to support local, national, and regional decision-making. The data and technology provided will be used to bolster climate resilience and disaster mitigation efforts across the region.

William Duncan, the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, highlighted the importance of this initiative for prevention and disaster efforts, stating, «There is much that can be done in prevention, and this is where the SERVIR initiative can be of great help.»

SERVIR Central America joins the global SERVIR network, which has been operating in Asia, Africa, and Latin America since 2005. The initiative aims to work closely with governments, indigenous communities, and local leaders to tackle pressing environmental and socioeconomic issues.

Jaqueline Rivera, director of the Observatory of Threats and Natural Resources, emphasized the value of the data in supporting the Ministry of Environment’s efforts to predict and mitigate environmental impacts. «This effort is important in our region as it will help the quality of life of citizens,» she stated.

Dan Irwin, Global Manager of the SERVIR Program, described the launch as a milestone in combining space technology with the local needs of Central America. «This initiative represents the commitment of NASA and USAID to put advanced technology at the service of the region,» he said.