‘The course provided us with a very good understanding of the theory underlying GIS and Remote Sensing, experience in implementing that knowledge in practical applications, and the opportunity to explore in detail any topics that were of particular interest to us’, Karki said.

‘Remote Sensing and GIS had a strong vocational dimension with field-based and work experience modules linking the latest theoretical concepts with real applications’, Karki said. ‘We will be developing a group project that reflects our practical, technical and analytical skills which will stand us in excellent stead for entry into further study, public sector organisations and private companies’.

The training was developed in partnership with the Biodiversity Conservation Centre – National Trust for Nature Conservation (BCC-NTNC) to build capacity of different forest institutes in Chitwan, Nepal. It also served to promote the GIS/RS tools, methods and approaches for mountain development issues in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. ICIMOD rolled out the training programme through its Geospatial theme under the REDD+ initiative. The training was made possible in response to a request from AdaptHimal (Enhancing Adaptation Capacity and Resilience of the Poor to Climate and Socioeconomic Changes) partners. Earlier, staff from HVAP and Uttarakhand Gramy Vikas Smiti, Integrated Livelihood Support Project (UGVS-ILSP) attended a week-long on-the-job training at ICIMOD.