Risk Wise

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Between human security and disaster

management – the role of satellite derived

information in achieving the goals of

the international community

Francesco Pisano and Einar Bjorgo, UNITAR/UNOSAT

hat is the role of satellite applications in achieving the

goals and objectives of the United Nations (UN) and

the international community? One of great and

increasing support, bringing advanced technology to bear for the

benefit of all and relying on objective data to produce updata-

ble information.

Earth observation data and geographic information systems (GIS)

are useful tools for effective decision-making. The environment,

human security, vulnerability reduction, adaptation to climate

change, emergency response and recovery are all areas in which these

tools are becoming common requirements, and their effects on

current practices are already established.

For developing countries in particular, with relatively

poor territorial documentation and outdated maps,

routinely acquired satellite imagery combined with local

field surveys can be invaluable information sources. Local

institutions, for example, can run analyses on the

geophysical risks facing their communities, and develop

plans for improved urban and rural territorial manage-

ment. Time-stamping the environmental situation at

certain intervals allows monitoring of environmental

parameters, such as forest cover and urban expansion.

UNOSAT is dedicated to developing and applying,

together with an ever-growing number of partners, the

entire range of satellite solutions to all UN goals and

Mozambique delta

Left: Potential risk area for floods in Mozambique delta; Right: Satellite-observed flooding

Source: UNOSAT