On 7 November 2016, GIZ-ECOSWat has organized the side event at 2nd World Irrigation Forum, Chiang Mai Thailand.

During the panel discussion with representatives of Thai governmental organisations (Department of Water Resources, Royal Irrigation Department, Hydro and Ago Informatics Institute, Department for Public Works and Urban Planning, Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, Walailak University) drone technology application for data collection, mapping, modelling and surveying in various fields was discussed in detail. Even though, obstacles like hardware limitations (capacity of batteries) and long approval processes are limiting the potential, drones can be low a cost option in various fields. E.g. Walailak University developed a curriculum for drones based on German knowledge of GIZ and IAMHYDRO (www.iamhydro.com).