The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has terminated all agreements and contracts with NASA, effectively halting the SERVIR program, a joint development initiative between NASA and USAID aimed at helping developing countries use Earth-observing satellites and geospatial technologies to manage climate risks and land use.
SERVIR was launched in partnership with leading regional organizations worldwide, providing critical information to help communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The cancellation of the program means that NASA cannot continue its operations without USAID support.
The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently announced that it would no longer solicit proposals for membership on the SERVIR Applied Sciences Team, citing the termination of agreements with USAID.
The partnership between NASA and USAID played a crucial role in improving forecast lead times for extreme weather events, giving farmers critical information to make informed decisions, and tracking air pollution across Asia. The cancellation of the program has left America’s global leadership in applied geospatial information in jeopardy, with China actively filling the void left by the US.
As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to communities worldwide, it is essential that we recognize the importance of partnerships like SERVIR in addressing pressing global challenges.
Source: https://nasawatch.com/trumpspace/usaid-erasure-impact-nasa-halts-servir-solicitations