ADB_book_18 April.qxp - Himalayan Document Centre - icimod

Figure 13.6: Examples of Applications of RemoteSensing in Environmental Studies(Source: Mountain GIS Portal ICIMOD)a) Mosaics of Natural View and Geocover of Nepalb) Biodiversity Mapping Using Remote Sensingc) Kathmandu Valley—Urban Growth (1967–2001)This framework is based on building thecapacity of local and national partners, and creatingan environmental information network. Theframework provides a mechanism to assimilate bothbiophysical and socioeconomic information atmultiple levels through an organized environmentaland natural resources information network of localand national partner institutions. The frameworkdefines the aggregation of geo-referencedenvironmental information with acceptedinternational standards at local and national levels togive rise to integrated environmental databases. Thedatabases serve as a foundation upon whichanalytical and decision making processes are based.The spatial modeling tools combined with thematicexpert knowledge on priority environmental issueswill help to analyze and model key components ofthe mountain environment such as biodiversity,climate change, snow and glaciers, land use andland cover, and infrastructure development.Ultimately, the framework is aimed at contributing toan increased knowledge base for environmentalinformation and to decision-support systems.The main functions of such an information anddecision-support system are to facilitate access toenvironmental information and data sharing;promote the integration and harmonization of datathrough the use of GIS, the Internet, and relatedtools; and indicate alternative scenarios throughscientific analysis of priority environmental issues.ICIMOD, together with partners, is currentlydeveloping a “Protected Areas Database Portal” ofNepal—a framework for sharing and exchanginginformation related to protected areas andbiodiversity through the Internet with a dynamicmapping capability, and a database for atransboundary water quality monitoring network.Conclusions: Challenges inEnvironmental Informationand their location-based property (addressingrelationships among places at local to nationallevels). Figure 13.7 illustrates the framework forenvironment and natural resources information anddecision support systems adopted by the MENRISprogram at ICIMOD for sustainable mountaindevelopment in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region.Developing countries like Nepal, where theenvironment is often treated as a lesser priority oreven neglected, clearly face big challenges intackling problems related to environmentalinformation. Most often, analysts and policymakerslack the capacity to fully use environmental data andinformation to bear upon decision making. Some ofthe challenges and issues that Nepal faces in thisregard are presented below:(i) There is a general lack of awareness aboutwhat environmental information is available,and it is not easy to learn what work is beingcarried out at present or has been done in thepast. There is neither a central record of202 Environment Assessment of Nepal : Emerging Issues and Challenges