SERVIR in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region

The region's snow-cover loss, shrinking glaciers, vegetation changes, biodiversity loss, erratic weather patterns, and increasing natural disasters are evident impacts of climate change. Rapid economic growth, population dynamics, and unsustainable use of natural resources have stressed the mountain ecosystem, with far-reaching implications for socioeconomic development. ICIMOD, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, collaborates with member states in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region to promote sustainable development. SERVIR, a joint development initiative of NASA and USAID, works in partnership with ICIMOD to support development decision-making through the use of Earth observation and geospatial technology. SERVIR-Himalaya responds to the needs of developing nations as they adapt to changes in the region, build resilience to climate change, and strive to secure food, water, forests, and energy for their citizens. SERVIR-Himalaya builds local capacity by enhancing the expertise of Hindu Kush-Himalayan scientists, analysts, and decision-makers to produce, analyze, and use Earth observation and geospatial technology. The initiative promotes sustainable development through problem-solving applications for forest management, and to reduce the impacts of climate change on water, ecosystems, and agriculture. SERVIR combines NASA satellite observations and predictive models, along with other geographic information from satellites and field-based sensors for improved scientific knowledge and development decision-making in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. SERVIR-Himalaya has implemented several projects in the region, including detecting and monitoring forest fires, monitoring land cover and use, and assessing water resources. In Nepal, data from NASA satellites are helping officials detect and monitor forest fires, research fire patterns, and assess damage in burnt areas. A new fire-alert system developed by SERVIR-Himalaya sends out email or text messages within 20 minutes of detecting a fire, allowing fire officials to mobilize fire-suppression efforts and warn villagers of impending danger. In Bhutan, SERVIR-Himalaya is strengthening the nation's ability to assess changes in land cover and land use to help conserve biodiversity, manage natural resources, and protect the environment.