SHILLONG, June 25: Experts and government officials gathered today for a workshop on ‘Geo-Spatial Applications for Climate Change Impacts and Resilience’ to discuss how technology can mitigate environmental challenges in Meghalaya.
Organised by the Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) GIS Lab and the Centre of Excellence for Natural Resource Management and Sustainable Livelihoods (CoE-NRM & SL), the event focused on using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) for climate adaptation and resource management.
Speakers noted that Meghalaya is increasingly affected by shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and land degradation. They stressed that geospatial tools are now essential for monitoring these changes, assessing risks, and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
The MBDA GIS Lab presented its database of over 100 thematic layers, including land use, hydrology, terrain, and weather data. These datasets, compiled from government records and field surveys, are currently being used to support climate resilience initiatives across the state.
Participants discussed using these technologies to map vulnerable areas, monitor forest health, and identify zones prone to floods and landslides. Such spatial analyses are intended to guide targeted interventions like ecosystem restoration and climate-smart agriculture.
The workshop also addressed the need for better data sharing and coordination between departments. The event concluded with a call for stronger partnerships and the wider adoption of geospatial tools to ensure a climate-resilient and sustainable future for the state.
