1^st International Training Workshop on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation

(11-22 November, 2013)

I．Background and Objectives

CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation (SDIM) is formally established in Beijing in 2013, jointly sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), and hosted at the Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI) of CAS. The goal of the Centre is to conduct much-needed research on disaster mitigation through advanced space technologies, especially space-borne Earth observation technology and provide knowledge transfer in developing countries through joint research, education, training, workshop and advisory services. In addition, the close relationships and outreach with TWAS and its Regional Office will also effectively advance its mission.

In response to the needs of developing countries in disaster risk reduction, SDIM will organize a training workshop to enhance the capacity building for developing countries to tackle with disaster issues using advanced space technologies. The workshop collects information on international best practices with applications to a variety of hazard events, especially for floods, droughts, earthquakes, tropical cyclones and storms. It stretches over a 2-week period, covering both theoretical and practical aspects on the use of space technologies for disaster mitigation. Experts from various national and international institutions, including TWAS, UN agencies, ICSU, GEO, and CEOS, will share their experiences with working on disaster mitigation and Earth observation.

II．Host & Co-organizers

Host:

n CAS-TWAS Centre of Excellence on Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation

Co-organizers:

n International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspices of UNESCO

n Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Sciences

HIST, a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO, was established in Beijing in July 2011. Its objective is to assist developing member states of UNESCO to strengthen their capacity for the conservation, documentation and sustainability efforts for UNESCO-inscribed world heritage sites, world biosphere reserves by using space technologies. Therefore, capacity-building events are to be organized to raise the awareness about the use of space technologies for a series of interdisciplinary activities including World Heritage sites, biosphere reserves, natural disaster, education, sustainable development.

RADI is a comprehensive research institute directly under CAS. It was established on September 7, 2012, through consolidating two CAS institutes: the Institute of Remote Sensing Applications (IRSA) and the Center for Earth Observation and Digital Earth (CEODE). The consolidation will pool the advantages of both institutes in the fields of remote sensing and Earth observation to promote the development o cutting-edge scientific research, and to meet national strategic demands.

This Workshop is also supported by: International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE), China Committee for Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR CHINA) and Sanya Research Centre, RADI of CAS.

III.  Date & Place

Date: 11-22 November, 2013

Place: Sanya, Hainan, China

IV.  Participants

The training workshop will bring together early- and mid-career scientists from developing countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America wishing to increase scientific knowledge of disaster mitigation and space technology. The policy makers and managers from developing countries are also welcome to apply for participating in the workshop. As the number is limited to 20 people, only those who are qualified can be selected as formal participants. Female applicants will be given priority.

V.  Application:

l Conditions: early- and mid-career scientists, policy makers or managers of UNESCO-inscribed properties from developing countries with background of space technologies or disaster mitigation as an advantage; skills of fluent English communication required.

l Application:

(1) Applicants fill in the attached application forms and submit them to the SDIM Secretariat at SDIM@ceode.ac.cn or by fax +86-10-8217-8959, or HIST Secretariat at huosijia@ceode.ac.cn. Application deadline is 10 September, 2013.

(2) The selection group will routinely examine the applications and notify the applicants of the decisions before 20 September, 2013. Invitations will be sent to the selected applicants for visa formalities at the same time.

VI.  Financial Assistance

Those applicants who have been selected will be provided round-trip international airfares between their home countries and Sanya (economy class), and the local expenses such as board and lodging, field tour, local transportation, etc. during the Workshop.

VII.  Language

The language of the Workshop is English. Knowing or speaking some Chinese will be an advantage.

VIII.  Courses

The Workshop will provide the following courses:

1. The Current Status of International Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation;

2. Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation and Integrated Research on Disaster Risk;

3. Application of Space Technologies on Natural and Cultural heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves;

4. Spatial Data Receiving and Processing;

5. Flood Evaluation and Application of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation;

6. Meteorological Disaster Assessment and Application of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation;

7. Drought Assessment and Application of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation;

8. Conflagration Assessment and Application of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation;

9. Management of Agricultural Disaster;

10. Data Management of Space Technology for Disaster Mitigation.

IX.  Lecturers

The lecturers will be composed of well-known experts on space technology for disaster mitigation from China and the world.

X.  Accommodation

Campus of Sanya Research Center, Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth of CAS.

Sanya, Hainan Province, China

XI.  Workshop Awards

l All workshop participants will receive a one-year membership to the International Society for Digital EarthThe International Society for Digital Earth The International Society for Digital Earth, including a subscription to International Journal of Digital Earth.

l We will track the performance of participants and ensure that the training is accomplishing its goals. The best workshop participants will be provided travel grants for attending or presenting research at future seminars or conferences to be organized by SDIM. 

Note

As is customary, all the participants are advised to take adequate insurance towards health, medical, accident or any other health related incidences/cases during their stay in China. SDIM shall not be responsible for such expenses.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Li Jiani, Ms. Huo Sijia

E-Mail: sdim@ceode.ac.cn; huosijia@ceode.ac.cn

Tel. +86-10-82178959; 82178911

Fax: +86-10-82178959; 82178915

Address: No. 9 Dengzhuang South Road, Haidian District, Beijing 10094, China