UN-SPIDER Bonn International Conference "Space-based Solutions for Disaster Management in Africa: Challenges, Applications, Partnerships"

Natural and man-made disasters cause tremendous damage to societies around the world. They lead to loss of lives and property, displace people from their homes and destroy livelihoods, and disrupt sustainable development efforts worldwide. Developing countries are particularly susceptible to the impact of disasters as societies are more vulnerable and exposed, and less resilient to recover when disasters strike. 

Convinced that space technologies can play a vital role in supporting disaster management, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) in 2006 as a programme to be implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). The General Assembly mandated UN-SPIDER to provide universal access to all countries and all relevant international and regional organizations to all types of space-based information and services relevant to disaster management to support the full disaster management cycle.

In recent years, the quality of satellite sensors, access to and use of satellite imagery and Earth observation services has significantly improved, with more and more space agencies embracing open data policies that facilitate access to archived and up-to-date imagery.

At an International Conference in Bonn, these issues will be taken up and challenges will be identified, solutions will be highlighted, and partnerships will be encouraged for using space technologies for disaster management in Africa.

The event is organized by United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) / UN-SPIDER and Centre for Remote Sensing of Land Surfaces (ZFL), University of Bonn and will run from 06/11/2019 to 08/11/2019.

For further information and to apply visit: https://bit.ly/2x8Zgj2 

See all News Read the complete news