Special Branch Activities

To advance interdisciplinary collaboration and sector-specific expertise, iAONA has established seven specialized branches, each addressing critical dimensions of natural resources governance and innovation. These branches work synergistically to deliver integrated solutions for global sustainability challenges:

Branch of Remote-sensing and Geographic Information Technology (BRGIT)‌

Focuses on cutting-edge geospatial solutions, including LiDAR data processing, AI-driven spectral analysis, and 3D smart city modeling. Its signature programs include professional certifications in GIS development and environmental remote sensing cartography.

Collaborates with BURP on urban resilience mapping, and supports BRPL in geospatial evidence-based policy drafting.

Branch of Urban and Regional Planning (BURP)‌

Pioneers data-integrated spatial planning frameworks for resilient cities, emphasizing low-carbon infrastructure design and smart land-use optimization through case studies on urban regeneration and transport systems.

Partners with BREM to integrate economic valuation models into land-use planning, and works with BRNIE on circular city pilot projects.

Branch of Resources Policy and Law (BRPL)‌

Drives global policy coherence by drafting mineral resource governance treaties and conducting climate legislation assessments. Notable initiatives include annual Resource Governance White Papers and cross-border river basin negotiation support.

Synergizes with BREM to align economic incentives with regulatory frameworks, and provides legal guidance for BE’s training modules on ESG compliance.

Branch of Resource Economics and Management (BREM)‌

Specializes in natural capital accounting and ecosystem service valuation models. It offers advanced training in carbon market mechanisms and green investment strategies, bridging economic theory with sustainable management practices.

Co-develops industrial symbiosis metrics with BRNIE, and partners with BYS to mentor young economists in resource pricing research.

Branch of Resources Nexus and Industrial Ecology (BRNIE)‌

Addresses resource interdependencies via industrial metabolism analysis and water-energy-food nexus optimization. Hosts innovation challenges to scale circular economy solutions in industrial parks.

Leverages BRGIT’s geospatial tools for resource flow mapping, and collaborates with BE to design case studies for academic curricula.

Branch of Green Energy and Minerals (BGEM)

BGEM is a transformative organization committed to advancing the sustainable development of energy systems and mineral resources critical to the global transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. By integrating principles of circular economy, decarbonization, and ethical resource governance, BGEM addresses the dual challenges of meeting growing energy demands and securing critical minerals while minimizing environmental degradation and social inequities. Its work ensures that green energy technologies and responsible mining practices coexist to power sustainable development globally.

‌Branch of Resources Circularity and Environmental Engineering (BRCEE)‌

The ‌Branch of Resources Circularity and Environmental Engineering (BRCEE)‌. BRCEE is a pioneering organization dedicated to advancing the principles of Circularity economy and environmental engineering to address global challenges of resource depletion, pollution, and climate change. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, sustainable design principles, and systems thinking, BRCEE drives the transition from linear “take-make-dispose” models to regenerative systems that prioritize resource efficiency, waste valorization, and ecological restoration. Its work ensures that economic growth aligns with planetary boundaries while fostering resilience in both natural and human systems.

Branch of Education (BE)‌

Operates the GISphere global education platform, delivering geospatial technology tutorials and overseas academic guidance. Flagship programs feature hands-on summer camps in drone mapping and digital twin systems.

Supports BYS in training early-career researchers, and co-hosts policy simulation exercises with BRPL for law students.

Branch of Young Scientists (BYS)‌

Empowers emerging researchers through grants for GeoAI applications in agro-ecology and international youth forums that foster interdisciplinary collaboration and commercialization of scientific breakthroughs.

Engages with BRGIT on AI-driven remote sensing projects, and partners with BURP to prototype smart city solutions in student competitions.

Cross-Branch Synergies‌

iAONR branches actively foster cross-disciplinary initiatives:

• Joint Research Consortia‌:BRGIT, BURP, and BRNIE co-lead projects on smart city digital twins, combining geospatial data, urban design, and resource flow optimization.
• Policy-Academia Bridges‌:BRPL and BE jointly organize legislative workshops where policymakers interact with students to draft climate resilience frameworks.
• Youth Innovation Networks‌:BYS collaborates with all branches to embed early-career scientists into INRA’s flagship programs, ensuring intergenerational knowledge transfer.

By integrating technical expertise across domains, iAONR’s branches amplify their collective impact, driving transformative solutions at the science-policy-industry nexus.