Empowering Southeast Asia: Transformative Workshop Highlights Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Monitoring for Agriculture and Climate Resilience
Published November 13, 2024 | 5-minute read
Pathum Thani, Thailand – November 7, 2024 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII), and Kasetsart University, successfully hosted a pivotal hybrid workshop on “Advancing Agriculture, Climate, Environmental, and Disaster Monitoring Through Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Retrieval and Applications in Southeast Asia.” The event brought together a diverse group of experts in soil moisture, climate science, GIS, remote sensing, agriculture, and data science. Conducted in both online and face-to-face formats, the event attracted around 230 registrations from over 20 countries, highlighting widespread global interest in enhancing satellite-based soil moisture monitoring for climate resilience, agricultural sustainability, and disaster preparedness in the region.
The opening of the workshop was marked by a welcome speech from AIT President, Prof. Pai-Chi Li, preparing the audience for the discussions ahead. Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub from AIT’s Water Engineering and Management program presented an overview and outlined the workshop’s objectives. He emphasized the importance of satellite-based soil moisture data in addressing key regional challenges, and underscored the need for collaboration across disciplines to enhance the accuracy and utility of soil moisture data, with a focus on calibration, validation, and data sharing among Southeast Asian stakeholders.
Prof. Pai-Chi Li, President of the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, delivers opening remarks, welcoming attendees and setting the stage for the event with insights on innovation, collaboration, and the future of technology in Asia and beyond.
Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub, Assistant Professor at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, presents an Overview and Objectives of the Workshop, outlining key goals and guiding participants through the planned sessions and collaborative activities.
The full-day event attracted participants from across the region, including policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals, all eager to learn about and discuss the critical role of satellite-based soil moisture data in improving climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and disaster response in Southeast Asia. The workshop aimed to raise awareness and foster collaboration among stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of calibration, validation, and accurate soil moisture data for regional climate adaptation.
Keynote and Invited Speakers Offer Insights
The workshop featured distinguished keynote speakers, including Dr. Simon Yueh, Senior Research Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Dr. Michael H. Cosh, Acting Lab Chief at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Hydrology and Remote Sensing Lab. Both shared groundbreaking research and insights on the use of satellite technology for soil moisture measurement, highlighting the transformative impact this data can have on monitoring large-scale environmental patterns.
The invited speakers, including Prof. Jianzhi Dong from Tianjin University, China; Dr. Pham Thanh Hung from the University of Danang, Vietnam; Dr. Kritsani Torsri from the Hydro-Informatics Institute, Thailand; Dr. Apiniti Jotisankasa from Kasetsart University, Thailand; Dr. Ngan Vo Chau Nguyen from Can Tho University, Vietnam; Dr. Indishe Senanayake from the University of Newcastle, Australia; and Mr. Mike A. Petaca from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, shared practical applications and innovations in soil moisture research, addressing challenges unique to Southeast Asia’s agricultural and environmental landscape.
Dr. Simon Yueh, Senior Research Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), USA, presents on the International Soil Moisture Mission, highlighting current achievements, status, and future outlook for global soil moisture monitoring.
Dr. Michael H. Cosh, Acting Lab Chief at the USDA Agricultural Research Service Hydrology and Remote Sensing Lab, delivers an online presentation on The Role of Soil Moisture Networks in Hydrologic Monitoring and Satellite Calibration and Validation, discussing how these networks support accurate hydrological data and enhance satellite-based monitoring systems.
Interactive Sessions and Valuable Outcomes
The workshop’s interactive sessions fostered dynamic exchanges, with participants discussing the challenges and opportunities in satellite-based soil moisture monitoring. The panel discussion focused on the current state of satellite soil moisture data in Southeast Asia and its critical role in improving agricultural productivity, climate action, and disaster preparedness. Experts stressed the need for enhanced regional collaboration and the development of pilot studies to demonstrate the value of satellite soil moisture data in real-world applications.
Furthermore, the workshop also emphasized the contribution of satellite-based soil moisture data to international frameworks such as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It was highlighted that satellite soil moisture data can significantly contribute to achieving key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Attendees and speakers gather for a hybrid conference, with participants both in-person and online, fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The workshop concluded with a strong sense of optimism and a commitment to future collaboration. Organizers and participants alike recognized the immense potential of satellite-based soil moisture data to address regional challenges in agriculture, climate resilience, and disaster management. The success of this workshop marks a significant step toward enhanced environmental resilience and sustainable agricultural practices in Southeast Asia, with satellite technology emerging as a powerful tool in the region’s environmental management strategy.
Building on this momentum, a strong call was made for increased awareness, stronger regional collaboration, and the establishment of a dedicated community of practice to maximize the impact of satellite-based soil moisture monitoring, ensuring that these efforts drive lasting improvements in agriculture, climate action, and disaster preparedness across Southeast Asia.
More updates at the Asian Land Information for Climate and Environmental Research Laboratory (ALICE-LAB) Newspage
Advancing Agriculture, Climate, Environmental, and Disaster Monitoring Through Satellite-Based Soil Moisture Retrieval and Applications in South East Asia
This workshop is focused on enhancing the understanding and utilization of satellite-based soil moisture data, particularly in the context of climate, agriculture, and disaster risk management. It aims to raise awareness among stakeholders in South East Asia about the significance of satellite-based soil moisture data, its applications, and the necessity of calibration and validation efforts to improve data accuracy.