Smartphones For Water Nepal (S4W-Nepal)

Smartphones For Water Nepal (S4W-Nepal) is a non-profit research organization founded in 2017 that works on sustainable water resource monitoring and management in Nepal. S4W-Nepal intends to collect hydro-meteorological data, strengthen understanding of water resources via research, and support wise water management decisions. To accomplish this, S4W-Nepal follows a viable citizen science approach that can play a pivotal role in research, especially in data-constrained countries like Nepal. In addition to the citizen science approach, S4W-Nepal also leverages the power of mobile technology and young researchers. The advancement in mobile technology (e.g., GPS, cameras, etc.) has enabled citizen scientists to involve more diligently in the scientific process of data collection. Our citizen science approach has the benefits of achieving the work on a massive scale, more abruptly, and at a minimal cost through enhancement of the scientific knowledge among the citizens. S4W-Nepal mobilizes young researchers to analyze/comprehend the gathered data and propose research-based solutions to the associated stakeholders and policymakers regarding water management issues. All data collected by S4W-Nepal is open-source data that enables the younger generation of researchers to enhance their research skills and empower them to address the underlying water issues.