Tehran – December 18, 2024

On 16-17 December, 2024, the ECO Secretariat, in collaboration with the National Cartographic Center (NCC) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held the two-day Training Course on the “Application of Geospatial Data in Disaster Risk Reduction”, aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in utilizing geospatial technologies such as remote sensing, GNSS data analysis, and InSAR applications for effective disaster risk management.

The two-day event brought together representatives/experts in geospatial technologies from ECO member states. The training underscored the critical role of geospatial data in fostering resilience and preparedness across the ECO region, which faces shared challenges such as natural disasters, climate change, and resource management.

The opening session featured remarks by ECO Deputy Secretary General Ambassador Silapberdi Nurberdiyev, and Mr. Ali Javdaneh, Director General/Head of NCC Iran, who emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and capacity building in addressing disaster risks. Over the course of the training, expert-led presentations provided participants with valuable insights into cutting-edge geospatial technologies for disaster risk reduction. Topics included the principles and applications of InSAR for hazard monitoring, GNSS data analysis for tectonic movement assessment, and the role of remote sensing in disaster management. The sessions also explored the integration of geospatial sciences in climate change mitigation and adaptation, highlighting the use of GIS and hydrography for environmental monitoring and sustainable planning. 

The training course concluded with a strong commitment to leveraging geospatial technologies for disaster resilience and sustainable development across the ECO region. Participants gained enhanced technical skills and a deeper understanding of geospatial applications in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and decision-making.