Faisal Mueen Qamer

Intervention Manager - IRBM
Managing cryosphere and water risks (SG1-AAA)
Climate and environmental risks (SG1)

Faisal M. Qamer currently leads the Resilient River Basins Intervention at ICIMOD, focusing on science-based approaches to river basin management in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. His work emphasizes regional cooperation, inclusive benefit-sharing, and addressing climate and water risks through scientific research and digital technology. With extensive expertise in designing large-scale water and climate adaptation programmes, Faisal has effectively navigated the complexities of multilateral climate financing.

As the Country Focal Person for Pakistan at ICIMOD, Faisal facilitates engagement with the Government of Pakistan and advises colleagues on aligning initiatives with national priorities.

Prior to his current role, he led ICIMOD’s Food Security and Climate Services group, delivering Earth Observation and digital technology solutions to support agriculture and food security in countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, primarily through the NASA SERVIR programme. He also serves on the Board of Directors at the International Society of Agromatics (ISAM). Additionally, Faisal contributed to climate adaptation solutions as a member of the UNFCCC Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) expert group on adaptation, agriculture, and food security.

Before joining ICIMOD, Faisal was the head of the GIS Department at WWF-Pakistan, managing geo-information across thematic areas including Forests, Species, Freshwater, Marine, and Climate Change. He holds a PhD from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), China, and an MSc in Geomatics from Karlsruhe University, Germany. His research spans hydroclimatic risks, food security, climate services, and ecosystem management, underscoring his commitment to addressing climate and water challenges.

Faisal Mueen Qamer

Q:

How do you protect the pulse of the planet?

A:

Since Earth observation information services are playing an increasingly important role in monitoring climate change and assessing resource sustainability, our team protects the pulse through utilizing a range of satellite data and associated modelling approaches to evaluate land resource distribution and its utilization choices to support land resource planning and policy decision in agriculture and wider sustainable development sectors.

Q:

What is your favorite part of the work you do at ICIMOD?

A:

I have found that ICIMOD’s unique placing as a knowledge broker among global scientific hubs and local users provides enormous opportunity to contribute in translating science accomplishments in the areas of satellite remote sensing, climate data modelling, etc., into practical usages for achieving food security and ecosystem wellbeing.

Q:

What are you passionate about?

A:

I am passionate about utilizing my knowledge and experience in Earth observation for providing impactful solutions to real world problems related to natural resource management and climate change.

Q:

My qualifications

A:

I have 18 years’ experience in geospatial science and its applications to agriculture, ecosystems, water resources and climate change. I hold a PhD from University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), China and an Msc in Geomatics from Karlsruhe University, Germany.

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