UNIS/OS/294
11 November 2004
United Nations Holds Workshop on Space Technology for Sustainable Development in Mountain Areas
VIENNA, 11 November (UN Information Service) -- The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), within the framework of the United Nations Programme on Space Applications, is organizing a five-day Workshop on Remote Sensing in the Service of Sustainable Development in Mountain Areas. The Workshop is being organized in cooperation with the Governments of Austria and Switzerland, and the European Space Agency (ESA), and is the first in a new series of activities dedicated to sustainable development in mountain areas. The Workshop will be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from 15 to 19 November 2004, and is being hosted by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).
Remotely-sensed data provides unique views of the Earth for many studies that require synoptic or periodic observations such as inventory, surveying and monitoring in agriculture, geology, hydrology, mineralogy and the environment. Remote sensing is integrated with other disciplines and technologies, including cartography and global positioning systems.
The primary objective of the Workshop is to discuss the potential uses of remote sensing and other space-related technologies in facilitating sustainable development in mountain areas.
The Workshop programme will include case studies in the application of remote sensing to mountain areas. A number of interactive presentations will be delivered directly via satellite from Austria. A special event will be organized on ESA’s Eduspace programme for educators from universities in Nepal.
The Minister for Population and Environment of Nepal is expected to inaugurate the Workshop.
Around 150 scientists, educators, decision-makers and engineers from the following countries and international organizations are expected to participate in the Workshop: Afghanistan, Armenia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Denmark, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Thailand, Viet Nam, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), ICIMOD, ESA and OOSA.
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The United Nations Programme on Space Applications is implemented by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and works to improve the use of space science and technology for the economic and social development of all nations, in particular developing countries. Under the Programme, the Office conducts training courses, workshops, seminars and other activities on applications and capacity building in subjects such as remote sensing, communications, satellite meteorology, search and rescue, basic space science, satellite navigation and space law.
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA) implements the decisions of the General Assembly and of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its two Subcommittees, the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee and the Legal Subcommittee. The Office is responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, and assisting developing countries in using space science and technology. Located in Vienna, Austria, OOSA maintains a website at http://www.unoosa.org.
