Representing the YouthMappers at the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum in Nadi, Fiji, held last August 6-9, 2024, was an esteemed privilege. This forum, which brought together experts and representatives from across the region, provided a significant platform for discussing pressing environmental security challenges. The opportunity to contribute to this critical dialogue alongside distinguished colleagues and country representatives underscored the relevance and impact of our work on a regional stage.
The forum focused on fostering collaborative approaches to addressing environmental security issues in the Indo-Pacific region. Feye Andal, one of the Regional Ambassadors of YouthMappers and also the mentor of the UP Resilience Institute YouthMappers, presented about the YouthMappers programs in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the critical role of open mapping and citizen science in enhancing community resilience and informed decision-making. The insights she shared drew from crowd-sourced mapping on critical infrastructures using OpenStreetMap led by the community of young mappers in the YouthMappers network from the Philippines, reflecting the growing importance of open geospatial data and the significant role of student volunteers in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
Our presence at the forum was met with great interest, particularly from representatives of countries such as Bhutan, Brunei, Indonesia, Maldives, and the Philippines. These discussions emphasized the shared challenges nations face in the region and the need for collaboration with a network of young volunteers. The engagement that followed our presentation affirmed the value of our contributions and opened doors for potential collaborations that focus on open mapping for disaster resilience. We are encouraged by the positive reception and the possibilities for future partnerships to expand the impact of our work.
We are also deeply grateful to the Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Partnership (IPESP) and Arizona State University for their support in facilitating our participation. Their sponsorship is a testament to the significance of the work being done at UPRI YouthMappers and by the international YouthMappers network, recognizing the broader implications of our efforts for regional environmental security.
This experience at the Indo-Pacific Forum reaffirms our commitment to advancing disaster resilience and sustainability through open mapping and data-driven decision-making. As we continue our work, we remain dedicated to fostering collaboration across borders and disciplines, ensuring that our contributions help build a safer, more resilient future for all.