Leading the Way in Global Land Challenges: The International Workshop on Land Governance
In today’s rapidly evolving world, one of the most pressing global challenges is addressing land governance. From ensuring equitable distribution to fostering sustainable development, land policies and practices play a pivotal role in shaping societies’ ability to thrive. However, many nations face significant barriers when it comes to understanding their land rights and managing resources effectively.
Enter the International Workshop on Land Governance, organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs under the ITEC program and the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA). This six-day workshop will bring together experts from 22 countries across Africa, Latin America, and South-East Asia to explore innovative approaches for addressing land governance challenges globally.
The Seven-Day Workshop is being held at HIPA Complex in Gurugram, Haryana, during March 24–29, 2025. During this event, delegates will delve into advancements in land governance, focusing on sustainable development and high-resolution mapping techniques like drone-based land survey methods and geospatial technologies.
India’s SVAMITVA Scheme: A Path to Land Governance Success
At the heart of this workshop is India’s SVAMITVA (Sustainable and Valuable Agricultural and Industrial Tools for Management of Trees in Vegetative form) Scheme. Launched in 2017, SVAMITVA has emerged as a pioneering initiative that maps rural inhabited areas with precision, providing legal ownership documents to property owners. It excels in delivering accurate data at resolutions down to 5cm, making it a model for other nations.
The workshop will showcase India’s SVAMITVA Scheme, highlighting its innovative approach to land management and its potential to serve as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Participants will learn from how the scheme has transformed rural areas through high-resolution mapping and digital technologies.
Drone-Based Land Surveying: Revolutionizing Land Management
The event will feature hands-on sessions on drone survey techniques, including flight planning and data processing. These innovations will transform traditional land surveys into cutting-edge solutions that offer precise measurements at large scales. The workshop aims to demonstrate how drones can provide 1:500 mapping accuracy, a feat of technological prowess that could revolutionize land administration.
Industry Partners and Knowledge Sharing
Not only will leading participants engage with drone technology and CORS (Continuously Operating Reference Station) systems, but industry partners from across Africa, South America, and Asia will also contribute. These include organizations like Survey of India, the State Land Revenue Department, National Informatics Centre, Geo-Spatial World, and others. Through their expertise, they will share cutting-edge technologies and best practices for land governance.
Classroom Demonstrations: Practical Learning Opportunities
Delegates will participate in classroom demonstrations using tools like drone surveys, ortho-rectified images, feature-extracted maps, and ground verification processes. These demonstrations will equip participants with the skills needed to understand modern land management solutions, fostering a deeper appreciation for their potential impact.
The International Workshop on Land Governance: A Call to Action
This workshop is not just about knowledge exchange; it’s a movement towards addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts. By bringing together experts from around the world, it aims to set a new standard in land governance research and development.
Call to Action for Participation
As India continues to innovate in its land policies, this International Workshop on Land Governance could serve as a catalyst for broader change. For those interested in contributing to this transformative initiative, we invite everyone to join us at the workshop.
In conclusion, the International Workshop on Land Governance is more than just an event—it’s a call to action for leaders and innovators around the world. By exploring the power of drones and cutting-edge technology, participants will gain insights into how India can lead in land governance and contribute to the global effort toward sustainable development. Together, let’s build a future where land truly belongs to its people.