Saba Zehra is currently pursuing an HOR degree at the University of Sydney. Saba's passion lies in leveraging data to address climate change challenges and promote open data initiatives that empower communities and policymakers. Throughout her career, Saba has advocated for the accessibility and transparency of information. She believes in the power of open data to enable data-driven decisions leading to positive and sustainable outcomes. She remains focused on harnessing data's potential to shape a better and more resilient future.

IVLP Impact Award Project: Streamlining River Indus: A Geospatial Portal for Sindh Waterways

This project developed a comprehensive web portal that serves as a centralized platform for accessing and analyzing hydrological data related to the rivers, tributaries and river discharge in Sindh Province. The web portal provides a user-friendly interface, allowing stakeholders, researchers, policymakers and the general public to access, visualize and utilize the hydrological data for various purposes. The key features of the web portal include an interactive map displaying the river network, data visualizations showcasing river discharge trends, and the ability to query and download specific datasets. The portal also offers tools for data analysis and exploration, enabling users to gain insights and make informed decisions based on the hydrological information. Visit the portal here: https://indi0614f6d0d765.maps.arcgis.com/apps/mapviewer/index.html?webmap=ccf1495ce93948799fc7188f73b21774

“By centralizing comprehensive data on water resources and facilitating transparent access to information, the portal empowers stakeholders to make informed decisions and promotes equitable resource allocation. I'm particularly drawn to its potential to democratize access to valuable insights, empowering diverse users to make informed decisions and drive positive change.” – Project Participant

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Saba participated in the IVLP Project Improved Water Management, Distribution, and Pricing in Water-Scarce Environments, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas in partnership with Global Ties Idaho, Global Ties Arizona, World Affairs Council of Las Vegas and Boulder Council for International Visitors.

Saba's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "I was particularly impressed by Dr. Sarah Porter's presentation at ASU, where she showcased the potential of GIS portals for water management. She is the Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy. Seeing the impact of the portal in real-time motivated me to think about creating a similar GIS portal for the rivers in Sindh. During my stay in United States last year, Pakistan experienced one of the worst floods, and this further emphasized the need for a comprehensive, real-time portal that would provide all relevant information in one place."

U.S. Communities Visited

Phoenix, AR; Boulder, CO; Washington, DC; Boise, ID; Las Vegas, NV

"I believe in the power of data, and I strive to drive positive change by promoting transparency and accessibility of information." - Saba Zehra

Country: Pakistan

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