Mapping the World a Better Place- The FIGs Volunteer Community Surveyor Program-VCSP_FIG Report 2024
International Federation of Surveyors (FIG)
FIGpub_82
THE VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SURVEYOR PROGRAM (VCSP) is a significant milestone in the FIG Young Surveyors Network activities. This publication presents the program’s purpose, impact, and the global collaborative cooperative efforts between the FIG Young Surveyors Network and FIG strategic partner, the Global Land Tool Network (UN Habitat – GLTN). The VCSP is designed to encourage young surveyors to volunteer their time and skills to humanitarian and environmental causes to “Map the World a Better Place”. The program facilitates the deployment of young surveyors who volunteer to support land administration in Africa and Asia. The program exemplifies the current vision of FIG, to ‘Serve society for the benefit of people and planet’. Outlined is the very idea of establishing sustainable development through a humanitarian surveyor lens. Young surveyors participating in this program have the opportunity to make a lasting and positive impact for people. The global to local impact resonates across the surveyor’s working for people in their local places. The VCSP has built upon FIG’s partnership agenda. Notably, it collaborates not only with the important global partner GLTN but also with FIG corporate member Trimble, both organisations have provided incredible support. Additionally, it has also outreached to 12 other partners that includes government ministries, academics, and civic society organizations. The results of the VCSP empowers surveyors of all ages. While passion and adventure are expected from FIG young surveyors, the program has also highlighted their qualifications, skills, and professional maturity. Further the VCSP chair leadership, all have since risen into professional leadership positions. The Journey of VCSP has been impressively led. Since its inception in 2017, the VCSP has achieved remarkable milestones. Initially deploying 12 Volunteer Community Surveyors (VCSs) across 7 countries, it has now expanded to an additional 30 VCSs with contributions in 9 countries. But, the impact extends beyond borders. Through co-created platforms, such as Wisdom Workshops and e-Volunteering mapathons, participants from over 45 countries have come together to learn and share knowledge and drive change. Behind this success lies a network of passionate young surveyors. They collaborate, innovate, and co-create, leaving their mark on the world. There were so many who, working together with partners, became the architects of change and are rightly acknowledge. FIG community thanks them all. The VCSP stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit that binds us professionally together. At its core, this program is about capacity building – equipping young surveyors with the skills, professional networks, and opportunities to make a positive impact on our world. As they volunteer their time and expertise, they not only map physical landscapes but also shape a better future for humanity. We would like to acknowledge the efforts of the authors in providing this publication and the contributions from the wider YSN community whether through their tireless 6 work, unwavering support, and creative ideas. Seeking to address issues such as land equality in tenure security, climate action and ultimately poverty alleviation, with the aim articulated by the UN Habitat agenda – to “leave no one behind”. The VCSP has shown that, together, we continue to map not just land but also hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for generations to come.
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