World Environment Day: iMMAP Addresses Climate Risks and Humanitarian Needs through Information Management

iMMAP pioneers environmental and humanitarian initiatives, predicting climate risks, supporting disaster reduction, and managing water resources in Colombia and Afghanistan.

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Friday, June 2nd, 2023Admin

World Environment Day serves as a yearly reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve our natural world. It brings people together worldwide to address urgent environmental problems and encourage sustainable actions.  

Recognizing the vital link between environmental issues and the well-being of vulnerable communities, iMMAP has undertaken a series of impactful projects that effectively address environmental concerns and humanitarian needs. With a firm commitment to supporting at-risk populations and mitigating the profound impacts of climate change, iMMAP has been a strong second-line player at the intersection of environmental conservation and humanitarian action. 

In Colombia, iMMAP has created an innovative system that predicts and visualizes climate risks on a user-friendly dashboard. This system enables local organizations and authorities to take proactive measures and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities. Similarly, in Afghanistan, iMMAP uses the Humanitarian Spatial Data Center to identify and assess climatic events likely to threaten local populations and humanitarian operations. This makes it possible to implement rapid response strategies, but also to reduce the exposure and impacts of disasters.

These projects illustrate iMMAP's commitment to tackling environmental challenges while prioritizing the needs of the communities concerned. By harnessing innovative technologies, data-driven approaches and collaborative partnerships, iMMAP is actively helping to shape a sustainable future. 

Disaster Risk Reduction in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, where a degrading environment exacerbates already dire situation facing the populations, iMMAP, through its Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project supported by USAID, is making significant strides in assisting the humanitarian community address environmental issues in the country. The project focuses on providing accurate, relevant, and timely information to inform DRR efforts and enhance the impact of humanitarian and environmental responses in Afghanistan. 

What is Disaster Risk Reduction? 

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) involves efforts to reduce the impact of disasters by making communities stronger and better prepared. It involves taking measures to prevent or mitigate the effects of hazards, preparing for emergencies and promoting sustainable practices for a safer environment.

iMMAP’s work in Afghanistan contributes to raising awareness and taking action on environmental issues such as deforestation, pollution, food, and water insecurity and managing the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. For instance, iMMAP has supported humanitarian partners in assessing critical water quality and contamination concerns in Kabul. iMMAP has also developed the Humanitarian Spatial Data Center (HSDC). The HSDC is an advanced web-based geospatial platform that provides critical disaster and environmental risk information for climate change induced droughts, floods etc, and support mitigation and preparedness planning, and emergency response.  

Disaster risk reduction (DRR) thematic maps play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues by providing valuable information and insights for effective planning, mitigation, and response efforts.  

iMMAP is continuously innovating and leveraging on the power of advanced technologies, spatial data, and analysis to deliver products and activities that support stakeholders in reducing the negative environmental effects of disasters and strengthening resilient communities by utilizing the strength of spatial data and analysis. 

 iMMAP's work is having a tangible impact on solving environmental problems in several key areas: 

iMMAP's disaster risk reduction project in Afghanistan is working to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders involved in monitoring disaster and environmental risks. It aims to transfer technical knowledge and skills to support ongoing efforts to reduce environmental risks and address the impacts of climate change on the people and livelihoods of Afghanistan. 

To achieve environmental conservation and sustainability in Afghanistan, it is crucial to address the challenging livelihood and poverty situations faced by the Afghan people. Additionally, advocacy programs should focus on community participation and sharing knowledge about environmental best practices, localized for long-term environmental outcomes. 

iMMAP's contributions play a significant role in addressing environmental issues in Afghanistan. It provides tools, platforms, products, and reliable information to raise public awareness about the growing environmental challenges in the country. 

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Preparing for Climate Catastrophes in Colombia

In Colombia, the EVIDEM Consortium project predicts and visualizes climate risks on a user-friendly dashboard. By providing organizations with actionable information, this dashboard enables proactive measures to be taken, strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities, and reducing their vulnerability to environmental risks.  

In January 2023, the tool contributed to an efficient decision-making process following the landslide in Rosas, Cauca. By using satellite images, iMMAP was able to assess with precision the magnitude of the catastrophe, the area affected and the needs it created for the affected populations. This enabled humanitarian actors to design an efficient aid strategy. 

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Through its contributions, iMMAP addresses environmental issues, providing tools, platforms, and reliable information to raise public awareness about growing environmental challenges in Afghanistan, Colombia and beyond. By adopting a comprehensive and collaborative approach, iMMAP continues to make a tangible difference, helping to build resilient communities and protect our natural environment. 

Empowered by data, communities and institutions can make informed decisions and inspire positive change for both people and the environment.