iMMAP Pakistan, Q1 2015 Progress Report

The project's primary objective is to provide humanitarian responders with effective methods for capturing, reporting, sharing, and analyzing information concerning the humanitarian situation according to baseline indicators and population needs. Since 2013, the project's focus has shifted to Sindh-based humanitarian, early recovery, reconstruction, rehabilitation, development, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) partners. iMMAP, an USAID IM implementing partner, has developed various IM tools, including SRF Pakistan, Balochistan Social Welfare Department Reporting Portal, and GeoPakistan. These tools aim to enhance disaster response and provide real-time information. iMMAP has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with NED University of Science and Technology to build capacity and host the IM tools. The university has a good IT capacity and a dedicated team, making it an ideal institution for hosting and maintaining the IM tools. This collaboration ensures long-term sustainability and avoids issues associated with hosting in a government institution. The Sindh Irrigation and Drainage Authority (SIDA) has partnered with iMMAP to support and enhance IM products and services. SIDA has shared its complete irrigation network through OASIS Web and has collaborated with iMMAP to produce the 2013 flood atlases for specific districts in Sindh. SIDA has requested iMMAP assistance in developing an OASIS Web offline version, providing commercial satellite imagery, and IM capacity building to enhance SIDA's GIS analytical capacities. The Balochistan Directorate of Social Welfare and Special Education (DSW&SE) has invited iMMAP management to sign a letter of agreement and extended its support in the preparation of the Earthquake 2013 Map Atlas of the five most affected districts in the recent Balochistan earthquake. DSW&SE has agreed to take custodianship of a customized version of SRF and NOC tools to enhance its reporting and registration processes for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). iMMAP has supported DSW&SE efforts in conducting an IM Needs Assessment for enhancing the sharing of authorized and up-to-date information among government departments and volunteer and social organizations throughout Balochistan. The Balochistan DSW&SE has requested iMMAP support in various areas, including customized deployment and capacity building for the Balochistan NGOs Registration and Reporting Portal, training of trainers, senior legal advisor support, provision of computer hardware and software, and Balochistan Map Atlases Production. The National Press Club (NPC) Islamabad has requested iMMAP to strengthen their IM capacity in various areas, including IM Needs Assessment, IM Portal Deployment, and IM Capacity Building. iMMAP is currently working on these objectives, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive collaboration platform for more than 25,000 member journalists and media personnel.