News in 2024
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New FIG Publication on FIG Young Surveyors Volunteer Community Surveyor
Programme VCSP
June 2024
Mapping the world a better place
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In cooperation with UN-Habitat/GLTN FIG Young Surveyors
Network has published this new FIG Publication 82 Mapping the
World a Better Place: The FIG's Volunteer Community Surveyor
Programme - VCSP.
Authors are Roshi Sharma and David Elegbede with
contributions by Darion Mahadeo, Israel Taiwo, Chethna Ben,
Angela Anyakora
The publication was launced at the FIG Working Week 2024. The
concept and progress of VCSP was presented in a plenary session
by Roshni Sharma and David Elegbede.
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In this publication, embark on a transformative journey with the
Volunteer Community Surveyor Program (VCSP) and witness how young
surveyors are mapping a better world. Supported by GLTN, VCSP has
deployed 42 surveyors to 9 countries, making a tangible impact on global
dynamics that lead to insecure tenure, from supporting post-earthquake
reconstruction efforts in Nepal to facilitating land registration
initiatives across Africa and the Asia Pacific. Young surveyors have
gained hands-on experience in fieldwork, data collection and community
engagement, shaping their careers and perspectives. These experiences
have not only influenced their career paths but also instilled in them a
deeper sense of purpose and commitment to humanitarian surveying.
The VCP programme was started in 2017. In her foreword Eva-Maria
Unger writes: "As the initiator of the VCSP and the former chair of
the FIG Young Surveyors Network (YSN), it is with a deep sense of pride
and gratitude to read this publication detailing the journey and
successes of the Volunteer Community Surveyor Programme (VCSP)."
The pilot phase of the VCSP deployed 11 young surveyors across
varions UN-Habitat/GLTN projects around the world. This pilot laid the
groundwork for scaling up the initiative, and today the development and
success of VCSP is described in the publication.
Yet, there is still much work to be done to continue this journey of
VCSP
FIG President Diane Dumashie states in her foreword:
T"he 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." This is followed up by
Robert Lewis-Lettington Secretary to the Global
Land Tool Network, Land, Housing and Shelter Section, UN-Habitat: "Partnering
with FIG, and in particular the FIG Young Surveyors’ Network, to
establish the Volunteer Community Surveyor Programme has been a rich and
rewarding experience for GLTN. From the earliest pilots in 2017 through
to fuller implementation in support of GLTN’s Phase 3 Programme from
2020 to 2023, we have improved skills, shared knowledge and built
professional experience for thirty five young surveyors, as well as for
tens, if not hundreds, of GLTN implementing and community partners in
seven countries"
Robert Lewis Lettington concludes that: Without hesitation, we will work to continue and expand the
Programme and to use it for all of the existing objectives but also to
further the integration of, and connections among, the global land
management and administration community. That common cause will support
the further development of a progressive and inclusive land management
and administration profession that contributes to an improved and fit
for purpose legal and policy framework."
And finalises by saying: "Today’s young professionals are
tomorrow’s leaders. We are pleased to support and encourage them and to
play a part in enabling them to help those most in need."
It is the hope that this publication, showcasing the journey so far,
can inspire to potential future projects, sponsors and partners, and to
bring VCSP into a new and even more expanded version.
Louise Friis-Hansen
June 2024
