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New UN-GGIM strategic framework provides guidance for use of geospatial information and services in disaster risk management

The Working Group on Geospatial Information and Services for Disasters (WG-GISD) of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) has published a “Strategic Framework on Geospatial Information and Services for Disaster” to guide all stakeholders and partners in the management of geospatial information and services in all phases of disaster risk management.

The role of geospatial information has been widely recognized as an important aspect of all phases of disaster risk management (DRM). While calling on Member States to find solutions to improve availability and accessibility of geospatial information and services, the strategy document highlights the need for strengthening coordination and communication among stakeholders to ensure they are not collecting concurrent or inconsistent data.

The framework emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, complementarity and interoperability of geospatial information and aims to achieve the following outcome:

“The human, socioeconomic and environmental risks and impacts of disasters are prevented or reduced through the use of geospatial information and services”

In order to achieve this outcome, the document encourages Member States to make available and render accessible quality geospatial information and services in a timely and coordinated way to support decision-making and operations within and across all sectors and phases of DRM. Cooperation among stakeholders from governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia, the private sector and the media will be key in implementing the five priorities for action the Strategic Framework defines, which are outlined in detail in the graphic below.

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