(Item 6 of the Agenda)
27. Mr Chiesa described a recently launched collective data-sharing network, the ‘Asia Pacific Natural Hazards Information Network’ (APNHIN). He explained how the GIS portal could provide access to a wide-range of downloadable data, including imagery, risk maps and socio-economic data as well as map services. He offered the support of Pacific Disaster Centre (PDC) in addressing disaster management related issues in the region.
28. Nokeo RATANAVONG, Space Technology Applications Section, ESCAP, explained the Regional Space Applications Programme (RESAP) of ESCAP and highlighted the regional cooperative mechanisms developed through the networking of space information service providers and civil defense agencies in the region, especially in the context of addressing flood and drought management related issues. The RESAP network had been engaged in capacity building activities. He emphasized that the regional cooperative mechanisms would be strengthened further by developing better insights on space information products and services enabling the member countries to use them operationally for managing floods and drought. He noted that the UN provided the framework of cooperation in disaster management. He suggested that programme areas on poverty alleviation, natural resources management and natural disaster management were closely inter-related and could be synergized to address common issues of information needs. Towards this, he referred the joint FAO-ESCAP initiative of ASIACOVER, and noted that its multi-purpose information base for sustainable development and food security could be expanded further to also address disaster management.
