Successful completion of space-based information for disaster preparedness and risk assessment training
On April 15, 2011, National training on "space‐based information for disaster preparedness and risk assessment" formally closed with a brief concluding ceremony. Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Basanta Shrestha, Division Head, MENRIS, ICIMOD briefed on the importance of disaster and space based information highlighting the MENRIS activities. Right after the participants presented their project work, a certificate distribution ceremony was held at Disaster Management & Relief Bhaban, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mr. Mohammad Abdul Qayyum, National Project Director (Additional Secretary) CDMP II was the chief guest for the occasion. Mr. Puji Pujiono, Project Manager, CDMP II gave his remarks highlighting the importance of the training program.
Coinciding with the training program, three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were signed between ICIMOD and respective three leading organizations of Bangladesh.
1. MoU between ICIMOD and Bangladesh Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization (SPARRSO): On April 15, 2011 a MoU was signed between ICIMOD and SPARRSO to promote regional cooperation on the use of remote sensing data and its applications in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The MoU was signed by Mr. Muzibur Rahman Howlader, Chairman, SPARRSO, Bangladesh in the presence of Mr. Basanta Shrestha, Division Head, MENRIS, ICIMOD; and Mr. Kabir Uddin RS/GIS Analyst, MENRIS, ICIMOD.
2. MoU between ICIMOD and Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (GEGIS): On April 15, 2011 a MoU was signed between ICIMOD and CEGIS to formalise cooperation on the use of remote sensing and geographic information system data and its applications in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region. The MoU was signed by Mr. Giasuddin Ahmed Choudhury, Executive Director, CEGIS, Bangladesh in the presence of Mr. Basanta Shrestha, Division Head, MENRIS, ICIMOD; high level officials of CEGIS; and Mr. Kabir Uddin, RS/GIS Analyst, MENRIS, ICIMOD.
3. MoU between ICIMOD and Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS): On April 14, 2011 a MoU was signed between ICIMOD and BCAS to develop Remote Sensing and geographic information system based decision support tools for sustainable management and conservation of protected areas in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region. The MoU was signed by Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director, BCAS, Dhaka, Bangladesh in the presence of Mr. Basanta Shrestha, Division Head, MENRIS, ICIMOD; Md. Abu Syed; and Mr. Kabir Uddin, RS/GIS Analyst, MENRIS, ICIMOD.