Space applications for sustainable development and SDS monitoring discussed at the Asia Pacific expert group…

Bangkok, Thailand – The UNCCD regional coordination unit for Asia and the Pacific (RCU-Asia), together with regional experts and country representatives, participated in the Expert Group Meeting on Space Applications for Sustainable Development (2018-2030) and the twenty-second Session of the Intergovernmental Consultative Committee (ICC) on the Regional Space Applications Programme for Sustainable Development (RESAP), held at the end of August.

Participants reviewed and discussed the revised Asia Pacific Plan of Action for Space Applications for Sustainable Development (2018-2030), which focuses on strengthening space applications for achieving priority goals and targets under each thematic area of the Plan of Action. The RCU-Asia staff actively participated in broad discussions, which included emphasizing the efforts of the convention in developing a land degradation indicator framework to promote SDG15.3 and facilitate the implementation of SDG15.2. One of the topics discussed was the utilization of satellite data instruments in monitoring sand and dust storms (SDS) by developing early warning systems. The participants have requested the committee to include the extension of existing early warning systems into the Plan of Action to encompass other sub-regions. 

The attendees have also reviewed and clarified the draft Ministerial Declaration on Enhancing the Contributions of Space Applications to Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific that will be tabled for adoption at the Third Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific that will take place on 10 October 2018 in Bangkok. 

Read more:

• Sand and dust storms
• SDS indicator 15.3.1