Disaster Management and Climate Change Mitigation in Arid Regions Using Geospatial Intelligence
November 25-27, 2024, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
The future of the Earth is at stake as the world faces climate change at unprecedented rates in human history. Climate change contributes to widening economic and social gaps, reduces biodiversity, turns fertile agricultural lands needed to feed humanity into barren areas, and destroys our shared heritage by demolishing World Heritage sites. These challenges manifest as major destructive forces in the lives of individuals and communities, which in turn fuel human-induced climate change and increase the frequency and severity of disasters. Arid regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to the scarcity and fragility of natural resources, where even minor changes in ecosystems, climate, and human activities can amplify disasters.
There is significant uncertainty about the risks and potential outcomes of such disasters. Disaster managers, scientists, decision-makers, and leaders need to make decisions on how to plan, reduce risks, respond to, and recover from disasters based on sometimes incomplete or inaccurate information. This approach resembles concerns related to national defense, including the need for an “intelligence-driven” approach. Ground-based and space-based remote sensing systems, geographic information systems (GIS), location-based visualization techniques, and the ability to analyze large spatial datasets have proven to be invaluable resources in disaster management, especially when using geography as a lens to view disaster issues. This approach enhances “geospatial intelligence” or “GEOINT,” transitioning the field from defense to disaster management.
Many technical advisory missions from UN-SPIDER have taken on the task of assessing the capacity of developing countries to implement GEOINT solutions for disaster management. The recurring issue in most studies indicates that the failure of GEOINT solutions to support disaster management is not due to a lack of scientific or technological capabilities but rather a lack of coordination among all stakeholders. Cooperation among regulatory, governmental, and specialized entities when using GEOINT is crucial for achieving better resilience to disasters. Additionally, this cooperation is essential for meeting the goals set by the international community through the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The desired outcomes from this meeting are:
- Participants will demonstrate an ability to discuss climate change and disasters within the context of disaster management outlined in the Sendai Agreement.
- Participants will be able to discuss free geospatial resources and services useful for disaster management.
- Participants will gain an awareness of other potential partners working in the disaster and GEOINT field in the Middle East/North Africa region.
- Participants will discuss which GEOINT products and services may be applied to which phase of disaster management.
- Participants will be able to describe the International Charter and the process needed to request an activation
– Impact of climate change on water resources.
– Increased likelihood of drought and desertification.
Topic 2: Role of Geospatial Intelligence in Crisis Monitoring
– Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for risk analysis.
– The role of remote sensing in tracking environmental changes.
Topic 3: Adaptation and Risk Reduction Strategies
– Developing sustainable water management strategies.
– Smart agriculture techniques to combat desertification.
Topic 4: Local and International Collaboration
– The importance of partnerships between governments, NGOs, and the private sector.
– Data and experience sharing between countries.
Topic 5: Technology and Innovation
– Using modern technology to enhance disaster response.
– Innovative applications in monitoring and analyzing environmental data.
Topic 6: Training and Capacity Building
– The importance of training local staff in using geospatial tools.
– Building community capacity to handle environmental crises.
Topic 7: Case Studies and Successful Examples
– Reviewing successful experiences in using geospatial intelligence to address challenges in arid regions.
– Scientists specializing in the study of climate change impacts on arid regions. – Researchers in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and environmental technology.
2. Government Officials and Decision Makers
– Officials from ministries of environment, agriculture, and water.
– Decision makers involved in developing climate adaptation strategies.
3. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Humanitarian Institutions
– Organizations working in disaster relief and humanitarian aid in areas affected by environmental disasters.
– Institutions aiming to promote sustainable development in arid regions.
4. Professionals in Agriculture and Water Resource Management
– Farmers and agricultural consultants specializing in sustainable farming techniques.
– Professionals involved in water resource management and environmental planning.
5. Private Sector and Technology Companies
– Companies offering technological solutions related to geospatial intelligence and environmental innovation.
– Firms specializing in developing tools and equipment for environmental monitoring and management.
6. Local Communities and Residents of Arid Regions
– Representatives of local communities directly affected by climate change.
– Local leaders and civil society members who can benefit from the information and technologies provided.
7. Students and Enthusiasts in Environmental Studies
– Students in environmental science, geography, and environmental engineering.
– Youth interested in climate issues and natural disasters.
Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS)
The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS) is a specialized non-governmental organization established in 1998 and headquartered in Amman, Jordan. It is one of the specialized unions operating under the Arab Economic Unity Council of the Arab League. The union is also a member of the International Astronomical Union, enhancing its role as a prominent institution in the field of space and astronomy both regionally and internationally.
Main Objectives:
Promoting Scientific Cooperation Among Arab Countries: The union aims to enhance collaboration and coordination among Arab countries in the fields of space and astronomy by organizing joint research projects and scientific initiatives that bring together experts and scientists from various countries.
Advancing Scientific and Technical Research: The union seeks to improve the level of scientific research and education in the fields of space and astronomy by organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops aimed at advancing knowledge and exchanging expertise.
Disseminating Knowledge and Raising Awareness: The union works to spread scientific information and raise awareness about the importance of space and astronomy sciences in the Arab community. It encourages the utilization of technological and scientific advancements in these fields.
Key Activities:
Organizing Scientific Events: The union hosts regular conferences and seminars held in Arab countries, where scientists and researchers gather to exchange knowledge and discuss the latest developments in space and astronomy.
Conducting Research Projects: The union promotes joint research projects among member states, contributing to scientific progress and the development of innovative technological solutions.
Training and Development Programs: The union organizes training programs and workshops targeting researchers and students in the fields of space and astronomy, aiming to enhance their skills and scientific capabilities.
International Collaboration: The union strives to strengthen cooperation with international organizations such as the International Astronomical Union, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and technology on a global scale.
Membership and Affiliations:
The union is a member of the International Astronomical Union, which strengthens its relations with international institutions and contributes to the exchange of knowledge and expertise both regionally and globally.
The union operates under the supervision of the Arab Economic Unity Council of the Arab League, enhancing its role as a specialized institution in promoting collaboration and coordination in the fields of space and astronomy within the Arab world.
The Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences is a cornerstone in developing scientific and technical cooperation in space and astronomy fields within the Arab world, enhancing the Arab nation’s role in achieving scientific and technological progress in these domains.
University of Sharjah:
The University of Sharjah is a leading educational institution located in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Established in 1997, it is one of the most prominent universities in the region, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its high-quality education and research, aiming for academic excellence through accredited programs and modern facilities.
Sharjah Academy for Astronomy and Space Technology:
The Sharjah Academy for Astronomy and Space Technology is a specialized institution affiliated with the University of Sharjah. Its mission is to advance research and education in the fields of astronomy and space technology. The academy was founded to promote knowledge and innovation in these areas through advanced academic programs, scientific research, and technological projects.
Main Objectives:
- Offering advanced academic programs in astronomy and space technology.
- Supporting scientific research and development in space and astronomy fields.
- Collaborating with global institutions to enhance scientific and technical exchange.
Key Activities:
- Organizing scientific conferences and seminars in the field of space.
- Providing training programs and workshops for those interested in astronomy and space technology.
- Participating in advanced research and development projects.
Both institutions strive to enhance knowledge and innovation in their respective fields, providing leading education and research in the region.
Delta State University is a member of the Mississippi Institute for Higher Learning system of state-sponsored colleges and universities. Founded in 1925, as a normal school (college for preparing teachers), it has since grown into a comprehensive university serving the lower Mississippi River valley. It’s name, “Delta” is drawn from the shape of the ancient alluvial plain in which its home, Cleveland, Mississippi, resides. The region is considered to be the most agriculturally productive in the world. These blessings are countered by frequent natural disasters which include flood, tornado, derecho, extreme lightning, major snow and ice storms, earthquakes from the New Madrid Fault, pestilence, tropical cyclones, and a wide variety of human-caused events.
The Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information Technologies at Delta State University, opened in 2004, is also home to the North American Office for the United Nation’s Platform for Space-based Disaster and Emergency Response. Led by Professor of the Practice Talbot Brooks, the unit is home to 13 full- and part-time faculty who specialize in the application of GEOINT to disasters, crisis, war, and humanitarian concerns. The Center offers an undergraduate certificate, bachelor of applied science, and master of applied science GEOINT degrees through fully online programs to more than 150 students from across the globe.
The Center has a long history of providing geospatial support during disasters and crisis around the world. Faculty, staff, and students have mounted responses to events around the world – more than 60 during the past 2-decades. The Center has also participated in UN-SPIDER Technical Advisory Missions to Mozambique, Algeria, Afghanistan, Nepal, Mongolia, China, Vietnam, Laos PDR, and Armenia. It began sponsoring events which sought to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by countries in arid regions, especially those in the Middle East and North Africa, in 2020.
Delta State University is a member of the Mississippi Institute for Higher Learning system of state-sponsored colleges and universities. Founded in 1925, as a normal school (college for preparing teachers), it has since grown into a comprehensive university serving the lower Mississippi River valley. It’s name, “Delta” is drawn from the shape of the ancient alluvial plain in which its home, Cleveland, Mississippi, resides. The region is considered to be the most agriculturally productive in the world. These blessings are countered by frequent natural disasters which include flood, tornado, derecho, extreme lightning, major snow and ice storms, earthquakes from the New Madrid Fault, pestilence, tropical cyclones, and a wide variety of human-caused events.
The Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information Technologies at Delta State University, opened in 2004, is also home to the North American Office for the United Nation’s Platform for Space-based Disaster and Emergency Response. Led by Professor of the Practice Talbot Brooks, the unit is home to 13 full- and part-time faculty who specialize in the application of GEOINT to disasters, crisis, war, and humanitarian concerns. The Center offers an undergraduate certificate, bachelor of applied science, and master of applied science GEOINT degrees through fully online programs to more than 150 students from across the globe.
The Center has a long history of providing geospatial support during disasters and crisis around the world. Faculty, staff, and students have mounted responses to events around the world – more than 60 during the past 2-decades. The Center has also participated in UN-SPIDER Technical Advisory Missions to Mozambique, Algeria, Afghanistan, Nepal, Mongolia, China, Vietnam, Laos PDR, and Armenia. It began sponsoring events which sought to bring attention to the unique challenges faced by countries in arid regions, especially those in the Middle East and North Africa, in 2020.
In its resolution 61/110 of 14 December 2006 the United Nations General Assembly agreed to establish the “United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response – UN-SPIDER” as a new United Nations programme, with the following mission statement: “Ensure that all countries and international and regional organizations have access to and develop the capacity to use all types of space-based information to support the full disaster management cycle”.
A number of initiatives in recent years have contributed in making space technologies available for humanitarian aid and emergency response. Yet, UN-SPIDER is the first to focus on the need to ensure access to and use of such technologies during all phases of the disaster management cycle, including the risk reduction phase which is crucial for reducing the losses of lives and property.
The UN-SPIDER programme is achieving this by focusing on being a gateway to space information for disaster management support, by serving as a bridge to connect the disaster management, risk management and space communities and by being a facilitator of capacity-building and institutional strengthening, in particular for developing countries. UN-SPIDER is being implemented as an open network of providers of space-based solutions to support disaster management activities. Besides Vienna (where UNOOSA is located), the programme also has an office in Bonn, Germany as well as an office in Beijing, China.
- Financial and in-kind support, in the case of Vienna, is provided by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (bmvit) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
- The Bonn Office benefits from the financial and in-kind support provided by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the German Aerospace Center.
- The Beijing Office benefits from the financial and in-kind support provided by the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM) of the People’s Republic of China.
The Jordanian Geographical Society is one of the national scientific societies in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, operating under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture. The society plays a vital role in promoting the understanding of geography and enhancing its significance in various fields, contributing to its importance in the life of the community. Additionally, it works to develop the skills of professionals and enthusiasts in this scientific field, significantly contributing to a deeper understanding of the world around us and playing a crucial role in addressing the challenges we face.
The Jordanian Geographical Society aims to support and encourage geographical research in a diverse range of topics, including environmental studies, sustainable development, climate change, and urban planning. The society disseminates geographical knowledge through seminars, conferences, publications, books, and articles. Through its educational and training programs, the society seeks to enhance the skills of specialists, university students, and institutes in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. The society looks forward to collaborating with national, regional, and international institutions to exchange knowledge and experiences, and to enhance geographical cooperation to contribute to practical solutions for environmental and economic challenges. It also seeks to raise awareness of the importance of geography and its impact on our daily lives, and to encourage the use of geography as a tool for understanding and solving problems.
To achieve its goals, the society relies on several methods, including conducting scientific studies and research, and providing consultations to government and private entities in the fields of spatial planning, natural resource management, economics, and urban development. The society also focuses on enhancing geographic education and promoting the use of GIS and remote sensing technologies.
The society is committed to publishing books and atlases, issuing a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and establishing specialized libraries in the field of geography. Additionally, it organizes scientific seminars, participates in local and regional conferences, and maintains connections with associations, institutions, and individuals specialized in geographical studies.
Moreover, the society organizes exploratory trips to various geographical and historical landmarks in Jordan, providing insights into the nature and characteristics of these regions.
The society’s virtual geographic library houses a large collection of books and maps in both Arabic and foreign languages, covering topics related to geography, history, archaeology, and education. It also includes scientific journals published by geographical societies and departments in universities worldwide. The society encourages its members to produce research and studies that contribute to scientific and economic development in Jordan.
In terms of seminars and conferences, the society hosts events that address a wide range of topics, such as climate change, the environment, desertification, pollution, agricultural production, and sustainable development.
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Registration and Abstract Submission Deadline
30/10/2024
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Abstract Acceptance Notification Date
30/10/2024
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Final Paper Submission Deadline
10/11/2024
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Seminar Opening Ceremony
25/11/2024
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Seminar Closing Ceremony