SOCIAL IMPACT MODEL
GEOGLOWS started on the journey of developing its Social Cycle Approach for the first time. We are now excited to share our progress...
The existing global and local models have often fallen short in terms of inclusivity and interdisciplinary collaboration. A crucial aspect often overlooked is involving the community in shaping research interests and needs.
By integrating the Social Impact Cycle, GEOGLOWS will receive feedback and insights of the local users, enhancing the impact of forecasts, and ultimately contributing to a more resilient and adaptive system that serves the needs of the people.
Credit: BYU Ballard Center
Social Impact Cycle
The Social Impact Cycle, a model developed by the Ballard Center at BYU, advocates for a unique approach – loving the problem, not just the solution.
Social Impact Cycle for Hydrology Modeling
In order that the model based on the Theory of Change can be applied to Hydrology, we adapted the Social Cycle for Global Model Hydrology. So that the model could be understandable for people in the field.
By prioritizing the needs of people, this model ensures a more accurate and impactful solution to societal challenges.
What has been done?
THE VERSATILITY OF GEOGLOWS
GEOGLOWS provides forecasts, access to historical streamflow data, and facilitates technical training. While this model has proven successful in various countries worldwide, its implementation outcomes have shown variability—succeeding in some and encountering challenges in others. Remarkably, there are countries where GEOGLOWS has not yet been implemented. Nevertheless, we firmly believe that GEOGLOWS holds immense potential, especially for nations facing constraints such as limited data, technological barriers, or other factors hindering early forecast capabilities.
This model represents a beacon of hope, offering a transformative solution for regions that may find traditional forecasting approaches unattainable.
Derna City, Lybia 2023
Mansour Dam, 2023
In 2023, Derna-Lybia faced a catastrophic flood triggered by heavy rain, leading to the collapse of two local dams. Unfortunately, emergency assistance was delayed, arriving over 24 hours later. Tragically, approximately 4,000 lives were lost, with an additional 10,000 individuals missing out of a population of around 100,000. The disaster displaced 40,000 people, many unable to relocate due to damaged bridges and roads, resulting in numerous refugee camps.
Regardless of the solution's applicability or potential to positively impact people, achieving sustainable societal benefits hinges on effective implementation, communication, and continuous measurement. Without these crucial steps, the intervention may fall short in delivering lasting value to the community.
Co-creating a model
Prioritizing a social impact cycle involves effective communication, adapting forecasts to meet specific community needs, and ensuring that GEOGLOWS aligns not only with technical robustness but also with socio-economic and cultural contexts.
In other words, the Social Impact Approach shows what needs to happen to achieve our vision: Global water sustainability to support the social, economic, and environmental health of nations.
PILOT SOCIAL CYCLE IMPACT
Credits: ICCA, 2023
The approach of the Social Cycle Impact is being implemented as a pilot in Costa Rica.
The first part of the implementation of the Social Cycle for GEOGLOWS was a succeed. This implementation was in collaboration with IICA, RAC (the Central American Aerospace Network) as part of the training GeoFem: Women in Geospatial Technologies workshop.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUR MODEL ABOUT THE SOCIAL CYCLE BELOW OR VISIT: https://social-impactgeoglowsdocs--1.org.readthedocs.build/en/1/model/