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Bridging the Gap between Users and Earth Observations: The NASA Capacity Building Program’s Approach to Engagement
  • Lauren Childs-Gleason,
  • Nancy Searby,
  • Christine Mataya
Lauren Childs-Gleason
DEVELOP

Corresponding Author:lauren.m.childs@nasa.gov

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Nancy Searby
NASA Headquarters
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Christine Mataya
NASA Headquarters
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Abstract

NASA’s Capacity Building Program (CBP) works to empower communities around the globe to use Earth observation data and products in their decision making. Working through program and element activities, CBP developed a theoretical framework for engagement focused around user needs which identifies the appropriate path for engagement based on geography, discipline, data needs and availability, depth of support required, partnerships involved, length of engagement, and desired outcomes. These decision factors would determine which CBP element would take on the effort – ARSET, DEVELOP, or SERVIR, and which approach would be implemented – trainings or co-development. Each approach offers participants different benefits and leads to outcomes that fall on a spectrum from increased awareness to sustained use of Earth observations. However, implementation of this framework across multiple programs with differing constraints has been challenging. This presentation will highlight the CBP framework and its user-centric approach, capacity building methods and incentives, metrics and tracking indicators, challenges, and lessons learned.