Commission and ESA launch consultation platform for global satellite system
A consultation on global satellite-based monitoring was officially launched by the European Commission and the European space agency (ESA) on 15 July. The forum aims to define ways in which the GMES (Global monitoring for the environment and security) satellite system can be upgraded in line with a 2008 target. The GMES system will pool existing European resources in satellite observation and remote sensing to collect information for researchers, public authorities and companies on issues ranging from pollution and refugee movements to the distribution of food aid. Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin said: 'GMES is both a technical and an organisational challenge for Europe. It is a good example of how Europe, by working better together in research, can develop technologies that contribute to improving quality of life and meeting security needs.' The meeting is the first in a series of get-togethers that aim to foster dialogue between decision-makers and organisations involved in monitoring and providing information for environmental and security purposes. The forum will result in recommendations which will be presented in a report at the end of 2003. At a global level, GMES will help to monitor the implementation of international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol on climate change. At a European level, the initiative will provide data to support a range of EU policies, including regional development, transport, agriculture and foreign policy. It will also allow local authorities to track changes such as shoreline erosion and react quickly to natural disasters such as floods and forest fires. GMES is a key element of the European Space Strategy developed by the European Commission and ESA. The project will, along with the Galileo satellite navigation system, be a key aspect of the European space policy that is emerging from the deepening partnership between the two organisations. GMES is also a key element of the 'Aeronautics and space' priority of the EU's Sixth Framework programme for research.