The GPC Group is breaking new ground with an innovative new platform called GeoVillage, aiming to put practical and useful information, communications technology and online services to work on behalf of local communities and sustainable development at the village scale. The community-based computerized platform for storing, managing and using a variety of such services represents a new and creative approach to sustainable community development.
“There is a need for the development of locally-based and focused infrastructure and content that can be configured in an integrated framework supporting sustainable and resilient local development at the village scale,” says GPC Group President Mark Sorensen. “The GPC Group has developed a concept for such a framework under the name of GeoVillage – Community Information Infrastructure.”
Whether or not a community currently has telecommunications and access to reliable electricity, GeoVillage can supply this foundation infrastructure to remote communities, and/or provide a range of services that contribute to connected communities, growing and green economic opportunities, and convenient access to health, banking and other services – all from within an easy to use platform that is configured to address local community needs and priorities. The use of GIS technology will be a key aspect of the platform.
As Mr. Sorensen puts it, “The GPC Group, with its global presence and expansive partner network that spans both sustainable development, GIS and other information and communications technology (ICT) areas, is well positioned to contribute to the sustainable development of these communities. With both our current and future partners in delivering this platform, we believe we can have a significant impact on these communities.”
The GeoVillage platform combines ICT4D, GIS, SDI and related technologies, applications and content in a form that can support many aspects of local community development that responds both to local needs as well as the needs of the international donor community to support better project formulation, management, monitoring and evaluation.
“The GeoVillage concept can be developed in a step-wise, incremental manner that is focused around local issues and priorities, and grown over time,” continues Mr. Sorensen. “With this approach, it is possible to put ICT, GIS and SDI to work for local communities, while also building the regional and national infrastructure that is needed for developing countries to maximize their natural and societal resources, build strong economies, protect natural and social heritage, and support sustainable and equitable development in ways that can make a fundamental difference for the future.”
The GPC Group is currently establishing partnerships for the further development of the GeoVillage platform, including Alkan CIT based in Cairo for mobile telephony and MedicaIQ based in Dubai for telemedicine and telehealth. Other partnerships are under development and GPC invites inquiries.
The GPC Group is currently interested in regional and thematic partners for the Geovillage concept. If you are interested, please contact us at: contact@geovillage.org