NASA and USAID launch SERVIR Central America hub to aid climate resilience

On December 3, 2024, NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officially launched the SERVIR Central America regional hub in Costa Rica. This new hub is part of the SERVIR initiative, which combines satellite data and geospatial technology to tackle environmental and climate change issues. The launch event, held in Huntsville, Alabama, featured prominent speakers including NASA SERVIR Program Manager Daniel Irwin and U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador William H. Duncan. Central America has been recognized as one of the most climate-vulnerable regions, with needs for improved decision-making processes at local and national levels. As the latest addition to SERVIR's global network, the hub aims to support efforts in climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and biodiversity conservation, impacting over 40 million people in the region. The event was conducted in Spanish, with English translation available, illustrating the commitment to engaging local audiences in the initiative. The SERVIR program has been operational since 2005 and previously focused on regions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, making this expansion a critical step in addressing the urgent environmental challenges faced in Central America. The event underscored the importance of utilizing technology to make informed decisions that can significantly enhance the resilience of communities against climate-related threats, as well as foster international collaboration in environmental and resource management.