#United States #NASA #USAID #SERVIR #Huntsville, Alabama

NASA and USAID to Launch SERVIR Central America Hub

On December 3, 2024, NASA, alongside the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will hold an official event to unveil the new SERVIR Central America regional hub, located in Costa Rica. This ceremony will commence at 11 a.m. EST and will be directed by NASA SERVIR Program Manager Daniel Irwin, U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador William H. Duncan, and a representative from El Salvador's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN).

Background of SERVIR

SERVIR is a collaboration between NASA and USAID that aims to provide satellite data and geospatial technology to support communities in developing countries. This initiative has been progressively advancing since 2005 and is already established in regions like Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

With the addition of Central America to its growing global network, SERVIR aims to provide critical support for strengthening climate resilience, promoting sustainable resource management, and conserving biodiversity. Data collected from satellite technology will empower local, national, and regional decision-makers, directly impacting over 40 million individuals living in a region highly susceptible to climate change.

The Role of the New Hub

The SERVIR Central America hub, implemented by the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE), is designed to facilitate evidence-based decision-making processes. Its strategies will focus on disaster management, agricultural productivity, and water resource management using accurate and timely geospatial data. The technological capabilities of the hub will be instrumental in aiding governments and organizations in making informed choices to mitigate environmental risks and improve community resilience.

As climate vulnerabilities increase globally, the establishment of this hub underscores the imperative focus on integrating scientific insights into action plans that protect the livelihoods of vulnerable populations. With its advanced technologies, SERVIR Central America aims to provide a robust response to the pressing challenges that climate change poses on the region's economy and environment.

Event Details

The launch event promises to be informative and inclusive. It will be conducted primarily in Spanish, with English translation services available for attendees. Press access and logistical information can be obtained by contacting Belarminda Quijano prior to December 2, ensuring opportunities for media coverage.

Live Streaming

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed, making it accessible to a wider audience interested in the developments of the SERVIR initiative and its benefits for the Central American region.

This launch is a remarkable step not only for NASA and USAID but also for the diverse communities in Central America who will benefit from better access to satellite data and capable tools for environmental stewardship.

For more information about SERVIR, visit NASA’s official SERVIR page.