ICIMOD believes that access to timely and high-quality data is essential to promote and accelerate learning on the challenges facing mountain ecosystems and their people; enable independent research and scientific enquiries; develop knowledge products and innovations that improve the wellbeing and livelihoods of mountain communities; and empower critical and urgent decision making and efforts during regional humanitarian crises. In this context, ICIMOD has established a Regional Database System (RDS) that acts as a central data repository for different thematic areas in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region and provides easy access to these data through a web-based portal.

RDS Portal

The RDS portal serves as ICIMOD’s clearing house for data curation and dissemination and ensures easy access to curated datasets; users can download ICIMOD’s published datasets after following a simple registration process. The portal provides free-text search and advanced search capabilities; users can search by defining the title, abstract, keyword, or geographic extent.

The search result shows a list of records consisting of the title, abstract, and thumbnail. Users can narrow down search results using provided filters and also view detailed metadata of any record.

Datasets stored on the RDS can also be accessed from the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) GeoPortal. Select biodiversity datasets are accessible from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility portal.

Data Explorer

A Data Explorer application allows visualization of data as dynamic maps and charts. Users can also share the generated maps and charts on social media by using integrated buttons in the application.

Additional Resources