integrating earth observation and prediction systems
30 November 2007
The construction of a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS),
promises to revolutionise the way comprehensive, near-real-time environmental
data can be used to make more informed decisions about natural resources,
disasters, health threats, energy sources, forestry and many other socially and
economically vital issues.
"As we move forward, we need to sustain and build on the gains made by
Global Earth Observation (GEO) so far", said Mosibudi Mangena, South African
Minister of Science and Technology.
"It will be important for all of us, as members of the group, to continue
working together to ensure that all those who need earth observation data are
able to access it. Developed nations will have to play a prominent leadership
role, particularly as regards to capacity building and providing much needed
financial and technical support to developing countries," he said.
The declaration recognises that sound policymaking for addressing the
environment and sustainable development must be based on understanding,
describing, and predicting a complex and interdependent world, and therefore
requires terrestrial, oceanic, air-borne, and space-based earth observations,
data assimilation techniques and earth system modelling.
It also recognises the contribution GEOSS can make in collaboration with the
United Nations Conventions on climate change, biological diversity and
desertification, and it highlights a range of other critical issues and
principles.
"All countries will benefit from the Global Earth Observation System of
Systems," said Jose Achache, Director of the GEO Secretariat. "But perhaps the
greatest rewards will be reaped by developing countries that are particularly
vulnerable to natural disasters, disease outbreaks and other barriers to
sustainable development."
In addition to issuing the declaration, the summit considered a report on
progress, highlighting some 100 early achievements illustrating the kinds of
societal benefits that the system of systems will produce.
During the two-day GEO plenary that preceded the summit, the China-Brazil
Earth Resources Satellite (CBERS) programme announced the launch of a new
service that will provide earth observation information to African countries
free of charge.
Ministers, delegates and the general public also had the opportunity to
visit a major exhibition on earth observations featuring some 60 exhibits on
all aspects of earth observing systems, information products and
decision-support tools.
Note to journalists: For more information, please see http://www.earthobservations.org and
http://www.dst.gov.za.
Enquiries:
Nhlanhla Nyide
Department of Science and Technology
Cell: 082 871 6767
E-mail: nhlanhla.nyide@dst.gov.za
Michael Williams
GEO Secretariat, Geneva
Tel: 022 730 8293
E-mail: mwilliams@geosec.org
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
30 November 2007
Source: Department of Science and Technology (http://www.dst.gov.za).
