“Investment in climate action is not a cost, but a clear opportunity to drive innovation, create new markets, and build resilience for future generations."
~Christiana Figueres, Former Executive Secretary of UNFCCC
Every single individual around the globe has been facing the consequences of critical shifts in climate and its withdrawals. This has gathered the interests of organizations as well as individuals to invest in clean and green substitutes of technology, energy, fuels, and much more.
Climate change investment initiatives are the outcomes of such increasing concerns of finding sustainable substitutes to the current infrastructures and energy systems while minimizing the factors that have been contributing to climate change. Frankly speaking, these initiatives are reshaping the concept of investments. With the intent of supporting investment initiatives that can withstand the current and forthcoming impacts of climate change, the YouthMappers chapters in Nepal teamed up with Green Initiatives Nepal.
Before diving into how the collaboration supported and advocated Climate Change Investment initiatives, let's learn what the organization itself is all about.
Who are Green Initiatives Nepal?
Green Initiatives is a community led by a group of young students from different universities in Nepal. They aim to collect and disseminate information related to events, seminars, workshops, and green initiatives happening across Nepal and different parts of the world.
YouthMappers Collaboration with Green Initiatives Nepal
Being a student-led, YouthMappers chapters in Nepal came on board to support the advocacy and activities of Green Initiatives Nepal (GIN). YouthMappers chapters have supported GIN activities by providing mapping and data visualization training to the volunteers of GIN. Additionally, this collaborative approach has also been supporting the mapping of green and circular economy activities as well as initiatives around the country.
With a common motive to enhance sustainable development and environmental conservation. YouthMappers chapters in Nepal and Green Initiatives Nepal are working together to empower young university students and community members through essential skills in mapping and data visualization. Several training and mapping workshops were conducted as a part of this collaboration, specifically centered around mapping Green and Circular Economy (GCE) initiatives in Kathmandu. These activities were also focussed on enhancing their skills in data analytics and visualization using QGIS.
Some of the collaborative activities are listed below:
1. Mapping Workshop to Trace GCE Initiatives in Kathmandu
The very first joint activity was a mapping workshop targeted to individuals who contribute directly to Green and Circular Economy (GCE) initiatives. Thus, this workshop targeted young university students, local community members, and volunteers from Green Initiatives Nepal, aiming to equip them with the skills necessary for geographic data collection and mapping.
Besides, the primary objective of this workshop was to map out Green and Circular Economy initiatives across Kathmandu, helping to visualize areas of sustainable practices and identify potential sites for future green projects.
Training Content of the Workshop
Introduction to Green and Circular Economy: Briefing on the importance of GCE practices and how they contribute to sustainable urban development.
Basics of Geographic Information Systems (GIS): An introduction to GIS principles, focusing on how these systems can be used for environmental mapping.
Using OpenStreetMap (OSM): Hands-on training in using OSM to input data related to GCE activities observed in the field.
Field Mapping: Participants engaged in field trips around Kathmandu to identify and record GCE initiatives, such as recycling centers, sustainable businesses, and community gardens.
Outcomes
After the completion of the interactive workshop, all the participants were able to create a comprehensive map highlighting various GCE initiatives within Kathmandu. This map is now utilized by local stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability and guide future urban planning decisions.
2. Data Analysis and Visualization using QGIS
Continuing the series of workshops, one more training was organized in Kathmandu, aimed at the volunteers involved with GCE activities. The session was designed for volunteers who already had a basic understanding of GIS and were interested in advancing their data analysis capabilities.
The QGIS software was employed to better enhance the participant’s skills in data analysis and visualization. Using this software, we aimed to train the participants to efficiently interpret and communicate the geographic data related to environmental initiatives.
Training Content
Advanced GIS Concepts: Refreshing knowledge of advanced GIS concepts relevant to environmental data analysis.
Introduction to QGIS: Comprehensive introduction to QGIS software, including its interface and capabilities.
Data Import and Management: Techniques for importing and managing different data types within QGIS.
Visualization Techniques: Training on various visualization techniques using QGIS, including the creation of maps, charts, and graphs to represent environmental data effectively.
Spatial Analysis: Instruction on conducting spatial analysis to examine relationships and patterns within the mapped data.
Outcomes
With successful completion of the data visualization training, participants developed proficiency in using QGIS to analyze and visualize data. These skills are crucial for enhancing the impact of mapped data on environmental decision-making and advocacy. The maps and visualizations created by the participants are used on the Green Initiatives website as well. Furthermore, these maps were shared with stakeholders to promote understanding and support for GCE practices.
Empowering Change Agents: The Next Steps in Climate Investment
Summing up, the set of collaborative activities between YouthMappers chapters in Nepal and Green Initiatives Nepal was successful in meeting its objective of empowering youth to respond to and support climate change investment initiatives. This collaboration has significantly contributed to the empowerment of young individuals and community members through practical training in mapping and data visualization. These initiatives not only enhance local capacities in GIS and data handling but also foster a community-oriented approach to tackling environmental challenges through the use of technology.
Let’s work together to reverse the adversity of climate change!
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