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International | Geographic Information Infrastructure
ICIMOD's Approach Towards a Regional Geo-Information Infrastructure (RGII) in the Hindu-Kush Himlayan (HKH) Region Basanta Shrestha Acting Division Head Birendra Bajracharya GIS Analyst MENRIS-ICIMOD Abstract This paper describes the efforts of MENRIS (Mountain Environment and Natural Resources Information System) Division of ICIMOD (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development) towards establishing a regional geo-information infrastructure (RGII) in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region. The paper outlines its endeavour to build the capacity of the institutions in the region through partnership initiatives. The partnership initiative was designed to extend the full functional capabilities of national institutions by developing mutually supportive relationships. These relationships focussed initially on training and dissemination of geo-information technology and applications. The paper describes its continuing efforts to develop a sound regional geo-information infrastructure to attain the common goals of an accurate information base, which can then be used for management and monitoring of natural resources and environment of the HKH region. Background The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) was established in 1983 to work as a facilitator of development in the Hindu Kush- Himalayan (HKH) region, which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan (figure 1). It has established itself as a multidisciplinary documentation centre, and a focal point for problem solving research activities, training and consultation on resource management and integrated mountain development in the region. One of the major functions of ICIMOD is to work as a multidisciplinary resource center for systematic exchange of knowledge for poverty alleviation and sustainable development in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan region [ICIMOD, 1998]. Sustainable and equitable development has to be based on accurate and reliable information. Geo-Information (GI) Systems have emerged as powerful tools in integrating and analyzing spatial information and presenting the results in an effective and efficient way. In this context, the Mountain Environment and Natural Resources Information Systems (MENRIS) division of ICIMOD has been working as a resource center for the HKH region for the study and application of GI technology.  Fig 1: The HKH Region
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