Home to about 2 billion people, South Asia faces significant challenges stemming from the confluence of hydromet hazards, land-use and land-cover change and sustainable management of water resources. Remote sensing and GIS, in conjunction with conventional data, is critical for managing the region’s resources. Remote sensing data is freely available and is widely used for decision making, environmental mapping and monitoring – India, for example has used remote sensing and GIS for monitoring forest resources since 1985.
Objectives and priorities
The SARIN network provides a platform for strengthening the capacities of researchers, educators and students involved in land-cover and land-use change (LCLUC) science with respect to use of stateof- the-art geospatial science and technologies. The network also promotes integration of LCLUC sciences with social sciences to develop solutions that advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Accomplishments
SARIN has enabled collaboration in the region through meetings and workshops, gathering scientists fro major space organizations, government departments and academic institutions.
The network also provides opportunities for training and capacity building to young researchers, convened by experts from the region, often on a voluntary
basis. The network has also produced several scientific outputs. A list of recent publications facilitated by the networks in the region can be found here: https://sari.umd.edu
“The events of the South Asia Regional Information Network (SARIN) attract scientists from major institutions in the region – space agencies, government and academia. The successful hosting of these meetings and training events, often cofunded by various organizations in the region, is a testimonial of the network’s engagement and vitality.
Scientific outputs are a priority for us. We organize special issues in journals and encourage regional scientists to submit articles. We also provide support to early-career scientists, including by helping them with science algorithms and manuscript editing.” – Jai K. Garg, Senior Fellow, TERI School of Advanced Studies, India
