Earth Observation for Sustainable Development
- Sharing our Earth View -

Mr. Nagano of MEXT presented WSSD agreed actions related to Earth observation; the promotion of joint observation and research, the development and wider use of Earth observation technologies, and the support to developing countries in the use of satellite data. He said actions cannot be implemented by individual agencies and nations and that there is strong need for international cooperation. He observed that partnerships between agencies and research communities are needed for improving the understanding of the water cycle and disaster management, that international cooperation is needed for expanding the data distribution network to users, and that coordination among space agencies is required so that the efforts of the space agencies can be evaluated as a whole.

In response, Mr. Ikeda said NASDA is developing the Earth observation satellite ADEOS-II through international cooperation. Dr. Sakuma said international research programs to predict Global change will be conducted using the Earth Simulator. Dr. Fukasawa said JAMSTEC will conduct observational cruises by the research vessel Mirai with international participation.

Dr. Briggs of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) said it was ready to act as the focal point for coordinating the efforts of its 23 members and 20 associates as part of the Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS) Partnership. Finallly, Ms. Moodie said the US National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration's will contribute to CEOS activities in hazard monitoring and disaster management.