Exploring the ways in which Earth Observation (EO) data can support development projects in states affected by fragility, conflict or violence.
There are currently thousands of man-made satellites orbiting the earth, and more than 650 of those are EO satellites. These are well-known for collecting information predicting weather patterns or monitoring climate change. However, images from these satellites can also provide information on other issues such as pollution, spread of diseases or refugee movements. Having up-to-date and relevant data on environmental and social conditions is essential for any development project aiming to make a change. This is why having such information accessible can improve environmental and human security.
Furthermore, providing information from a distance can avoid risks related to accessing and monitoring dangerous areas and the very high costs related to monitoring large environments from the ground. Click here to see how EO data has been used to detect and map settlements that have been fully or partially destroyed due to conflicts in Myanmar.
There are many places on Earth where satellite-based information is required due to dangerous circumstances. Just imagine how difficult it is collecting environmental and social information in war-torn Syria, or in other politically unstable countries. Failing to obtain such information can lead to unsuccessful development efforts or a complete lack of response to critical situations such as humanitarian crises. This is the reality for many people living in states characterised by fragility.
As a report from the World Bank states:
“By 2030, the share of global poor living in fragile and conflict-affected situations is projected to reach nearly 50%."
Challenges related to conflict and violence cannot be solved by a single actor, which is why it is important that companies, governments and organisations come together to find effective and affordable solutions. This is why GRID-Arendal has joined forces with seven partners working together in the Fragility, Conflict and Security consortium.
Fragility, Conflict and Security is a part of the Earth Observation for Sustainable Development (EO4SD) initiative which was started by the European Space Agency (ESA) to facilitate increased utilisation of EO-information for development purposes. The benefits of using EO-data to improve management of agriculture, water and urban development are currently being demonstrated by other projects under the EO4SD umbrella initiative.
GRID-Arendal plays an important role in this consortium as our task is to communicate the activities and results, as well as facilitate stakeholder involvement and capacity-building through our existing activities in West-Africa. The latter activity focuses on expanding the benefits of the project to other initiatives which might benefit significantly from improved access to information from EO.
Services are currently offered within four thematic areas considered crucial for sustainable development:
- Natural resource management
- Justice, law and early detection of onset of crises
- Reconstruction and development of infrastructure
- Environmental security
In addition, support to projects by the World Bank’s Fragility, Conflict and Violence Operations Group is offered.
Click here for more information on the project.
.jpeg?auto=webp)
.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)
/1x.jpeg?auto=webp)