Join the launch of the FAO publication “Geospatial applications in emergency impact assessment”, 14 May 2024, 14:00-15:30, FAO headquarters and online!

In an effort to strengthen global response efforts to natural hazards and conflicts affecting agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launches the publication "Geospatial Applications in Emergency Impact Assessment" on 3 April 2024. The event will take place at FAO headquarters and will also be available online.

This publication highlights the growing threat of natural hazards and conflicts on agricultural livelihoods, particularly affecting some of the world's most vulnerable populations who heavily rely on natural resources for their survival.  By exploring the potential of geospatial technologies such as high-resolution satellite imagery and remote sensing, FAO aims to provide stakeholders with improved methods and tools for assessing disaster impact.

The launch event will present a few case studies on floods, volcanic eruptions, pests and diseases, and conflict, showcasing how these innovative technologies are being used on the ground. Discussions will explore both the opportunities and challenges associated with geospatial technology in disaster impact assessment. The event will also highlight the need to strengthen technical capacity and improved data management to build stronger partnerships and enhance emergency response effectiveness, particularly through the use of geospatial technologies.

To attend the event onsite, please send an email to [email protected] 

To join the event online, please register here.

Agenda

14:00 - 14:05 (CEST) 

Welcoming remarks - Geospatial solutions for agriculture 
Mr Lifeng Li, Director, Land and Water Division, FAO 

14:05 - 14:15 

Responding to needs and answering key questions for effective agriculture sector response: the role of remote sensing
Ms Fleur Wouterse, Deputy Director (Policy and Programming), Office of Emergencies and Resilience, FAO

14:15 - 14:25 

Bringing geospatial solutions into emergency responses – UN-SPIDER  
Mr Lorant Czaran, UNOOSA/UN-SPIDER - Space technologies for disaster management and emergency response, support and technical assistance to Governments 

14:25 - 14:35 

Bringing geospatial solutions into emergency responses – GEO Earth Intelligence, Ecosystem-based Solutions for Resiliency and Sustainability 
Mr Nathaniel Newlands, Science and Technology, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Government of Canada 
Mr Markus Enenkel, Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Program, World Bank 

14:35 - 14:45 

Bringing geospatial solutions into emergency responses – World Food Programme (WFP) 
Mr Thierry Crevoisier, Geospatial and Remote Sensing Unit, WFP

14:45 - 15:05

Presentation of the publication "Geospatial applications in emergency impact assessment" 
Mr Matieu Henry, Technical Officer, Geospatial Unit, Land and Water Division, FAO  
Mr Neil Marsland, Senior Technical Officer, Office of Emergencies and Resilience, FAO 

15:05 - 15:25 

Roundtable discussion 
Mr Dominique Burgeon, Director, FAO Liaison Office at UN Geneva 

15:25 – 15:30 

Closing remarks