Interested professionals, engineers, technicians and experts from a variety of disciplines participated in the session where SAVE’s GIS experts James Price and Can Kara discussed how GIS data layers can be created using existing agricultural, environmental protection and antiquities information

The USAID-funded Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) program organized the sixth in a series of interactive meetings of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Users Group on April 9, 2008. Interested professionals, engineers, technicians and experts from a variety of disciplines participated in the session where SAVE’s GIS experts James Price and Can Kara discussed how GIS data layers can be created using existing agricultural, environmental protection and antiquities information. The group examined ways to analyze land cover data—for example, how to identify orchard areas that might be ideally suited for environmentally friendly and water saving mulching activities. Using hands-on, real-world examples of how to use GIS tools, the group tried their hand at digitizing streets, identifying endemic species and surveying cultural heritage sites.

This training opportunity was part of SAVE’s overall work to build local capacity to better protect and manage Cyprus’ valuable natural and cultural resources. In addition to strengthening skills in critical areas such as GIS, SAVE combines work on environmental protection with cultural heritage conservation, preservation, and restoration. Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through encouraging responsible economic development and sound environmental management.