Two examples of geospatial solutions developed by SERVIR-Amazonia with its partners
SERVIR uses a service approach bringing diverse stakeholders together to identify local development problems and co- design solutions that use satellite data, Earth science, and geospatial technologies. The resulting solutions are tailored, need-based decision-support products (tools, data sets, training resources and capacity building activities).

1. Improve resilience and reducing risk of extreme hydrological events
   In close collaboration and through intensive capacity strengthening interventions with hydrometeorological institutions in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, SERVIR-Amazonia introduces innovative tools and forecasting methodologies (including more accurate information about timing, magnitude, and impact), to increase understanding of risks and support greater resilience for flood disasters. The service allows stakeholders to investigate forecast-based financing methods, which will increase their ability to prepare and respond to flood disasters. Furthermore, the hydroinformatics tools train stakeholders to understand past river flooding patterns and how the hydrological basin is integrated beyond political borders. This activity is led by NASA’s Applied Science Team led by Jim Nelson of the Environmental Modeling Laboratory (EMRL) at Brigham Young University (BYU). Read more

2. Better manage fragile mangrove environments
   SERVIR-Amazonia has been working with the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) of Guyana, the Alliance of Bioversity International-CIAT, and the Spatial Informatics Group (SIG) to develop a monitoring and reporting system for tracking the extent and structure of coastal mangroves in Guyana using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and other remote sensing resources. This service will help the Guyanese government and civil society to manage better their fragile mangrove environments, by: 1) acting on hotspots of deforestation and stop them on time; 2) engaging in land-use planning, policy-making, and actions that protect mangroves from being converted to other land uses; and 3) planning mangrove protection efforts for farmers in low-lying coastal regions. The service contributes to larger efforts of forest and biodiversity conservation in Guyana. Read more