I. Research and Development
- The underpinning of SARI will be research, reviewing existing research and developing new integrative collaborative research initiatives. Potential research areas include:
- Characterize the nature, magnitude, drivers and impacts of LCLUC in South/Southeast Asia.
- Assist in the development of regional scale land surface and socioeconomic products useful for LCLUC research.
- Address LCLUC interactions on climate, water resources, biodiversity, atmosphere, etc.
- Address the vulnerability, impacts and adaptation issues associated with LCLUC.
- Develop regional scale land cover change models useful for decision support.
- Develop an understanding of LCLUC dynamics through facilitating systematic and integrated case studies.
II. Education, Capacity Building and Training
Integral to the program will be an explicit effort to strengthen the associated education and training. Elements of this aspect of the program will:
- Facilitate developing interdisciplinary training programs and a curriculum that integrates remote sensing, engineering, natural and social sciences to address LCLUC in the region.
- Provide students with experience-based learning opportunities and leadership skills that allow them to explore interdisciplinary research, education and policy development.
- Create international opportunities for interdisciplinary graduate research and education that provides students with global perspectives and multiple ways to address issues relating to LCLUC.
- Develop a dedicated data center to facilitate free and easy access of data.