Call for Applications: SERVIR Himalaya Youth Forum: Using Earth Observation for Climate Change Actions in Pakistan

Date 24 Nov 2014 to 27 Nov 2014
Venue Islamabad, Pakistan
Contact Persons Shova Bhandari
Type Training
Programmes MENRIS, Geospatial Solutions

Climate change is one of the most critical global concerns of this generation. The impact of climate change on the Himalayan region mountain system are evident in rapid melting of glaciers, loss of snow cover, changes in vegetation cover, biodiversity loss, erratic weather pattern and increasing frequency and magnitude of natural disaster. Pakistan is extremely vulnerable to climate change and has suffered a great deal from extreme weather events, most notably have been the extensive flooding disasters that have taken place in recent years. However, also issues as drought and glacier retreat can be linked with climate change. Future generations of Pakistan will face enormous challenges due to climate change. It is therefore important to bring about awareness among youth and actively engage them in areas of preparedness, risk reduction, adaptation and mitigation.

This youth forum is part of the SERVIR-Himalaya Initiative supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

This youth forum will be organized by ICIMOD in collaboration with the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), which is ICIMOD’s national focal institution in Pakistan. PARC is an apex national agricultural organization of Government of Pakistan for research and development with multidisciplinary activities focusing on national food security targets addressed through expertise of national professional partners. PARC is eager to establish a youth programme in the country to promote the participation of youth in the agricultural sector.

Objectives
  • Educate and inspire young people about geospatial science, earth observation and its potential to address climate change issues.
  • Provide a platform and network for mutual sharing and learning of experiences among youth. 
Expected Participants

The Youth Forum will be targeted to youth from different professional backgrounds, universities and colleges in Pakistan (age group from 20 – 25 years) with an interest in climate change issues and geospatial science and technology.

Youth within the age group of 20 – 25 with a strong interest in climate change and geospatial technologies are eligible to apply, in particular if they are engaged in university studies related to climate change or geospatial science. Those who attended the previous youth forum in Pakistan (December 2012) will not be eligible to apply.

To apply, go to http://bit.ly/1xdnJ1I  and complete the Online Application Form by October 20, 2014.