NASA and USAID Advance the Creation of the SERVIR-Central America Hub in Collaboration with CATIE

On September 5th, 2024, CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) took a significant step towards the development of the SERVIR-Central America Hub by hosting a high-level delegation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) at its headquarters. This visit is part of the co-development process of the SERVIR Hub, a crucial program aimed at integrating space-based technologies to enhance climate resilience in Central America.

The delegation, which included Nancy Searby, Capacity Building Program Manager of the NASA Earth Action Program; Dan Irwin, Global Program Manager of SERVIR; Chelsea Kay, Climate Adaptation and Resilience Advisor from USAID and Ashley Netherton from the USAID Regional Program for Central America (E-CAM), was welcomed by Luis Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE; Alejandro Solís, Director of the SERVIR-Central America project and Pablo Imbach, Head of CATIE’s Climate Action Unit.

Netherton emphasized USAID’s longstanding collaboration with CATIE, stating, “We share many goals and objectives and that is what brings us together in this new initiative. With this new hub, we have the opportunity to leverage NASA's incredible tools to truly benefit Central American communities, helping them make better decisions to face climate change and environmental degradation.”

“The visit marks a key milestone in the collaboration between these organizations, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for Central America”.

The new SERVIR-Central America Hub will harness NASA’s technological capabilities to provide critical data that strengthens and complements climate change decision-making processes. During the visit, authorities discussed CATIE’s institutional role and the milestones achieved in the Hub’s co-creation sessions.

“We are delighted to host this delegation and grateful for their collaboration. This program will be a catalyst for integrating and promoting our actions across the region,” said Pocasangre.

Irwin also highlighted CATIE’s role as a strategic partner, stating, “This is our first of many meetings. CATIE is the ideal institution to host SERVIR-Central America and we are committed to working together to benefit the region’s communities.”

If you want to learn more about our work and collaborations, please visit CATIE’s website !

Written by: Karla Salazar Leiva.

Edited by: Estefanie Ramirez B.