Copernicus is a European system for monitoring the Earth. Copernicus consists of a complex set of systems which collect data from multiple sources: earth observation satellites and in situ sensors such as ground stations, airborne and sea-borne sensors. It processes these data and provides users with reliable and up-to-date information through a set of services related to environmental and security issues. The services address six thematic areas: land, marine, atmosphere, climate change, emergency management and security. They support a wide range of applications, including environment protection, management of urban areas, regional and local planning, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, health, transport, climate change, sustainable development, civil protection and tourism. World Atlas of Desertification initiative. Mapping Land Degradation and Sustainable Land Management Opportunities” A new World Atlas of Desertification – WAD – is being compiled under the coordination of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and a network of international experts. The third edition of the WAD will be available as both a published reference atlas and an online digital information portal.
The new World Atlas of Desertification builds on recent scientific advancements, and aims to be a pragmatic exercise and example of the implementation of up-to-date concepts of land degradation.