Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources

The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive global systems that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Our rainwater, drinking water, weather, climate, coastlines, much of our food, and even the oxygen in the air we breathe, are all ultimately provided and regulated by the sea. Throughout history, oceans and seas have been vital conduits for trade and transportation.

Careful management of this essential global resource is a key feature of a sustainable future. However, at the current time, there is a continuous deterioration of coastal waters owing to pollution and ocean acidification is having an adversarial effect on the functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. This is also negatively impacting small scale fisheries.

Marine protected areas need to be effectively managed and well-resourced and regulations need to be put in place to reduce overfishing, marine pollution and ocean acidification.

Facts and Figures

Oceans cover three quarters of the Earth’s surface, contain 97 per cent of the Earth’s water, and represent 99 per cent of the living space on the planet by volume.
Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.
Globally, the market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at $3 trillion per year or about 5 per cent of global GDP.
Oceans contain nearly 200,000 identified species, but actual numbers may lie in the millions.
Oceans absorb about 30 per cent of carbon dioxide produced by humans, buffering the impacts of global warming.
Oceans serve as the world’s largest source of protein, with more than 3 billion people depending on the oceans as their primary source of protein
Marine fisheries directly or indirectly employ over 200 million people.
Subsidies for fishing are contributing to the rapid depletion of many fish species and are preventing efforts to save and restore global fisheries and related jobs, causing ocean fisheries to generate US$50 billion less per year than they could.
Open Ocean sites show current levels of acidity have increased by 26 per cent since the start of the Industrial Revolution.
Coastal waters are deteriorating due to pollution and eutrophication. Without concerted efforts, coastal eutrophication is expected to increase in 20 percent of large marine ecosystems by 2050

Space-based Technologies for SDG 14

SDG 14 aims to sustainably manage and protect water ecosystems. Satellite technology can provide valuable data on water levels and pollution. Through COPUOS, States discuss national, regional and international water-related activities. UNOOSA helps countries access satellite data for better management and protection of water resources. UNOOSA also brings together experts to discuss cooperation, capacity-building and future approaches to water resource management.

SDG 14 Targets

Graphic displaying an increase in the economic benefits from sustainable use of marine resources

Graphic displaying an increase in scientific knowledge, research and technology for ocean health

Graphic displaying the reduction of marine pollution

Graphic displaying support for small-scale artisanal fishers

Graphic displaying the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems

Graphic displaying the implementation and enforcement of international sea law

Graphic displaying the reduction of ocean acidification

Graphic displaying the conservation of coastal and marine areas

Graphic displaying an end to subsidies that contribute to overfishing

Learn more about the SDGs

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Interview with Prof. Emerita Kristine M. Larson

Dr. Kristine M. Larson in front of her favorite GPS site (P041) near Boulder, Colorado. The gray object next to Dr. Larson is a GPS receiver antenna. Photograph by Glenn Asakawa, University of Colorado. Dr. Kristine M. Larson, Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO Research interests: Plate tectonics and geodesy, with work developing new ways of using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to study Earth and the water cycle. Research highlights: For many, GPS is a

Prof. Larson’s career has been focussed on using the Global Positioning System, and more recently using GPS to measure hydrological parameters, such as water levels in lakes, rivers, and the ocean, soil water content, and the depth of snow. To innovate, she Emerita believes a willingness to be different is key. She feels strongly about bringing space technologies closer to people by communicating better the important role that space technologies play and by making measurements from satellites easier for people to access.

Interview with Gregory Giuliani, Head of the Digital Earth Unit (GRID-Geneva) & Senior Lecturer in Earth Observations (UNIGE)

Photo of Gregory Giuliani teaching at INPE in Brazil

In this interview, we discuss how time-series of satellite data can be used to monitor the environmental, and more specifically the water domain, using the data cube technology.

Wetlands conservation: How satellite observation supports sustainable wetland management

Pelicans in the Danube Delta, Photo by Florin Tomozei.

On 2 February 2020, we celebrate World Wetlands Day to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. This year’s edition highlights the connection between water, wetlands, and life.

Utilizando tecnologías espaciales para monitorear la contaminación marina por petróleo

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Gulf of Mexico: boat in the middle of an oil spill

Oil spills are a critical form of environmental pollution that have far-reaching negative impacts. They severely degrade marine ecosystems, introducing toxic chemicals into the oceans and harming sea life. They also have significant financial impacts through the diminishment of ecotourism as well as the killing of commercially viable species. Despite these negative impacts, oil spills are notoriously difficult to track and monitor given the general lack of surveillance over the vastness of the Earth’s oceans. Space-based technologies are evolving as a tool to aid in the detection of oil spills worldwide. Two primary technologies have been optimized for oil spill monitoring: optical satellite imagery and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Optical satellite imagery functions somewhat like taking a photograph of the Earth’s surface and requires clear skies and daylight to produce imagery. SAR imagery, on the other hand, relies on microwaves to produce images, and therefore can function regardless of weather, as well as at night. The combination of these two technologies has allowed scientists an increased ability to monitor where and when oil pollution is happening, providing an eye-in-the-sky to survey marine activities. While these space-based technologies are aiding in the detection of a variety of oil spill incidents, they are particularly helpful to monitor the illegal dumping of oil and effluent from shipping vessels as ships are no longer able to dump oily bilgewater into the ocean under the veil of darkness. Unfortunately, the enforcement of environmental and marine law remains an issue and ships are rarely prosecuted. It will be important for space-based technologies to continue to evolve and provide evidence of marine pollution in the effort to provide protection for Earth’s marine ecosystems.

Space-based observation helps improving climate modelling

Climate has become a subject of global concern, especially in recent decades. Climate models are practical tools that can simulate physical processes and predict future change. However, because of the complexity of atmospheric, ocean, and land processes, scientists are faced with significantly large uncertainties in climate models. As world leaders grapple with the urgency of climate action, the role of space-based technology and data has become increasingly critical. Various observed climatic variables (e.g.

Empleando las tecnologías espaciales para vigilar la contaminación de plásticos en los océanos

Figure 1: “Dolphin plastic bag at Fernando de Noronha”, Source: CC by Jedimentat44

Translated by Isabel Zetina

Varios proyectos en curso intentan detectar la contaminación por plásticos en los océanos mediante tecnología espacial

Remote sensing in managing, maintaining, and understanding coral reef ecosystems

Coral reefs provide integral services to social, economic, and ecological systems. They support more than 500 million livelihoods worldwide and account for 15% of gross domestic product in more than 20 countries. A quarter of all marine species on planet Earth, representing 28 of the 35 animal phyla, can be found in coral reefs, and novel compounds derived from these organisms provide numerous useful medicinal applications.

Conservación de humedales: cómo la observación por satélite apoya la gestión sostenible de los humedales

Translated by: Isabel Zetina

El 2 de febrero de 2020 celebramos el Día Mundial de los Humedales para concienciar al mundo sobre el papel vital de los humedales para las personas y nuestro planeta. La edición de este año destaca la conexión entre el agua, los humedales y la vida.

Space technologies' role in marine monitoring and management

Mapping and monitoring of the marine environment has been consistently reliant upon space-based technologies (Johannessen et al., 2006). Particularly tools targeting monitoring of human activity in the marine domain, marine resources such as marine protected areas and fish stocks, as well as marine environmental conditions, are extensively utilised by regulatory actors (Desaubies, 2006).

Tirer Parti des Technologies Spatiales pour Surveiller la Pollution Plastique dans les Océans

Plusieurs projets en cours tentent de détecter la pollution plastique dans les océans en utilisant la technologie spatiale.

L’océan est où la vie a commencé. Il abrite la majorité des plantes et des animaux de la Terre. Cependant, il y a actuellement un autre habitant qui met en danger toutes les espèces vivantes sous et au-dessus de l’eau, les humains inclus. Cet habitant est appelé « plastique ». Le plus grand marché du plastique est celui des emballages destinés à l’élimination immédiate (Sigogneau-Russell, 2003).

Enhancing maritime domain awareness through ship detection in satellite imagery

Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) confronts significant challenges in the maritime domain, leveraging satellite technologies that play a role in enabling extensive and consistent area mapping. In this case, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) stands out for its all-weather capability, serving as a crucial tool for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to defense systems (Ulaby and Long, 2014).

Monitoring the impact of mining on water quality based on space technology

^{Source: (Morgan, J. 2020)}

Exploring the exciting potential of hyperspectral imaging for water quality monitoring

Photo of The HICO and RAIDS Experiment Payload orbiting Earth (Image courtesy of NASA)

Harmful Algal Blooms occur when toxin-producing algae experience excessive growth within bodies of water. These blooms have the potential to cause detrimental effects on both aquatic and human health and can sometimes even cause death, depending on the type of algae involved (NIEHS, 2021). Thanks to the use of space-based remote sensing technology to monitor water quality conditions in coastal areas and drinking water reservoirs, nations are becoming more aware of the quality of their water.

El rol de las tecnologías espaciales en la vigilancia y gestión del medio marino

El mapeo y la vigilancia del medio marino han dependido siempre de las tecnologías espaciales (Johannessen et al., 2006). En particular las herramientas destinadas a vigilar la actividad humana en el medio marino, los recursos marinos, como las zonas marinas protegidas y las poblaciones de peces, y las condiciones del medio marino (Desaubies, 2006). El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer una serie de ejemplos de tecnologías espaciales que se utilizan para vigilar distintos aspectos del medio marino, ilustrando la amplia gama de aplicaciones disponibles.

Earth observations for mangrove restoration

A mangrove is defined by the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History as

“a woody tree or shrub that lives along sheltered coastlines within the tropic or subtropic latitudes” (Teutli-Hernández et al. 2020).

The impact of space-based internet communications constellations on water

Imagine a world where your internet is delivered not through cables or cell towers but a vast swarm of orbiting satellites. That world is a very different place. Political borders are no longer communication boundaries. Your phone works just as well in the US as it does in Nigeria and Australia and Cambodia. You can communicate with people on the other side of the planet near the physical limits of information transmission, unconstrained by slow cable networks.

Harmful algal blooms: Scientists use space technology to combat this aquatic menace

We can now view algal blooms from space – it is no secret that they are plaguing our plant.

Climate change, dam collapses and water-borne disease: devastation in Libya caused by Storm Daniel

Building outlines detected on satellite imagery

On September 10th of 2023, Storm Daniel made landfall in northeastern Libya, bringing torrential levels of rain and strong winds (Figure 1). This onslaught of rain caused two big dams in the region to break – the Abu Mansour dam and the Derna dam, 75 metres and 45 metres tall respectively. It is believed that the Abu Mansour dam broke first, after its reservoir was filled beyond capacity. The dam collapsed and sent a rush of water towards the Derna dam further downstream (Figure 2).

Mind the mapping gap between the ocean and coastal zones

Do you know that about 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, yet it remains unmapped? As NASA oceanographer Dr. Gene Feldman said,

“We have better maps of the surface of Mars and the moon than we do of the bottom of the ocean.”

But can all these vast blue portions of the universe be explored and mapped like the Mars, which is 54.6 million kilometers away from us, but have nearly 90% of its surface mapped? "Well, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it?"

Explorando el emocionante potencial de las imágenes hiperespectrales para el control de la calidad del agua

Translated by Isabel Zetina

Les Technologies Spatiales : un Pilier Essentiel de la Protection des Ressources Marines

Merci à Martin Sarret d'avoir traduit cet article volontairement.

Monitoring River Delta Using Remote Sensing

Since ancient times, people have established communities in river deltas because it provides water, fertile land, and transportation access, making them an ideal place to live. This pattern has been carried forward to the present. With nearly 6 billion people living in river deltas, they are one of the most densely populated places on Earth (Kuenzer and Renaud, 2011). However, they are facing threats such as climate change, sea level rise, land use changes, and ecosystem degradation.

L'impact des constellations spatiales de communications internet sur l'eau

Merci à Martin Sarret d'avoir traduit cet article volontairement.

Floraciones de algas nocivas: los científicos recurren a la tecnología espacial para combatir esta amenaza acuática

Translated by Isabel Zetina

Ahora podemos ver la proliferación de algas desde el espacio: no es ningún secreto que están plagando nuestro planeta.

Using space-based technologies to monitor marine oil pollution

Leveraging space technologies to monitor plastic pollution in oceans

Several ongoing projects are trying to detect plastic pollution in oceans by using Space technology

The ocean is where life began. It is home to the majority of the Earth’s plants and animals. However, there is currently another habitant endangering all species living under and above water. Humans included. The habitant is called “Plastic”. Plastic’s largest market is packaging designed for immediate disposal (Sigogneau-Russell, 2003).

Interview with Padmi Ranasinghe, Doctoral student in Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of Texas (UT) - Arlington

Padmi Ranasinghe doing field work at Sinharaja Evergreen rain forest

Padmi is currently reading for her Ph.D. focusing on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate change risk reduction and resilience cities. She believes NbS can reduce hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods, droughts, and landslides in the long run. It is a strategy to minimize the gaps in decarbonizing and reducing greenhouse gases and a path to Net-zero cities. NbS, are actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, benefiting people and nature (IUCN & World Bank, 2022). Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA), ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction (Eco-DRR), ecosystem-based mitigation (EbM), and green infrastructure are some branches under the umbrella of NbS. NbS include conserving forests, mangroves, and wetland ecosystems, halting deforestation, increasing reforestation, climate-smart agriculture, and opening green spaces. According to her, space technology is integral to planning, monitoring, and analysis. Space technology today is so advanced that it can capture and predict changes in the water cycle, climate change variables and so forth. Remote sensing data and satellite-derived information are essential in obtaining accurate data on a specific site anywhere on the Earth's surface. Most recently, she has been involved in projects utilizing urban NbS such as the conservation of Ramsar-Colombo to mitigate urban floods and adapt to climate change. To conduct wetland inventories, space-based data and GIS techniques can be utilized to detect the presence of wetlands and/or water in wetlands. Though there can be some challenges encountered such as limited coverage of specific areas within the wetland, clouds often hiding images, and the low resolution of data making it difficult to differentiate floral species. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) can provide enhanced accuracy and consistency in measuring wetlands, as well as the presence of water in wetlands, using space technologies. Data and technologies from space contribute to watershed management, sediment measurements and many other environmental aspects.

Interview with Gregory Giuliani, Head of the Digital Earth Unit (GRID-Geneva) & Senior Lecturer in Earth Observations (UNIGE)

In this interview, we discuss how time-series of satellite data can be used to monitor the environmental, and more specifically the water domain, using the data cube technology.

Interview with Victor Pellet, CNES PostDoc, Paris Observatory

Describe experience relating to water and space technologies

I grew up in a country (France) where water is freely available. The drought in 2003 was considered a one-time event. I had no single lesson on climate change at school. Despite this background, I was raised aware of the links between social and environmental inequality on a global scale.

Interview with Mina Konaka, Satellite engineer at JAXA

Mina Konaka works at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as a satellite engineer and is currently working on the satellite ALOS-4, which can detect changes in groundwater on land. She attended the International Space University, participating in the project AWARE (Adapting to Water and Air Realities on Earth), in which participants aimed to provide solutions for flood and air quality risks due to climate change, using earth observation data and ground-based sensors. Mina feels strongly about the need to talk more globally about water management solutions, rather than on an individual country basis. Mina also hopes that in the future there will be more female engineers who pursue dreams of space, and that gender balance is no longer an issue.

Interview with Dieudonne Ilboudo, Water and Environment Specialist, General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso

Photo of Dieudonne Ilboudo in front of a tractor

This interview provides an in-depth look at my expertise and experience in water resource management, environmental conservation, and the integration of AI and remote sensing technologies in Burkina Faso. My passion for water management stems from my desire to protect precious resources and my belief in the essential importance of providing water to communities, a principle reinforced when I joined the Ministry of Agriculture in 2021. As a Water and Environment Specialist at the General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation, I am responsible for irrigation systems, lowland rice-growing areas, and the protection of water infrastructure, while integrating innovation and remote sensing technologies to improve performance. My work also focuses on community conservation, including the removal of invasive aquatic plants from reservoirs and the treatment of gullies to combat soil erosion. I have experience in remote sensing and AI-based applications such as ML and DL for monitoring flood risks, erosion, and irrigation systems. I use machine learning algorithms such as CNN, Random Forest, U-Net, and SVM to analyze satellite images, predict the spread of invasive plants, and optimize water use. My research on integrating traditional knowledge into water management highlights the SoaSoagha concept, a collective work approach in Burkina Faso that promotes community conservation. Traditional rainwater harvesting, floodplain management, and small earthen dams (soussous) align with modern hydrological models, while sacred forests and customary water rights have been revealing, demonstrating indigenous methods of ecosystem protection. My project on AI-powered aquatic invasive plant management integrates machine learning (Satellite image analysis to classify areas with a high probability of aquatic plant presence), deep learning (Precise segmentation of invasive plants, such as water hyacinth and others, in these identified areas), and community engagement to extract, classify, and convert plants into compost, biogas, and biochar. My work highlights the importance of combining technological innovation and traditional knowledge to strengthen climate resilience, ensure water security, and promote sustainable development in Burkina Faso and beyond.

Interview with Stephanie Tumampos, PhD Student at Chair of Remote Sensing Technology, Technical University Munich

How do your professional career and/or your personal experience relate to space technologies and water?

My interest in water is deeply rooted in my personal life. I grew up on an island in the Philippines where a lot of people depend on water as a source of livelihood. From fishing in the open sea to fish breeding, water has always been a source of income at home. Aside from this, the small community where I grew up struggled with access to running water.

Interview with Chiara Richiardi, Researcher at ENEA

How do you personally and professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

Water and space technologies are deeply intertwined with my research focus and professional journey. My work primarily revolves around studying the impacts of climate change and human activities on ecosystems, particularly in mountainous regions like the Alps. Water is a crucial component in this context, as it plays a significant role in both vegetation dynamics and ecosystem health.

Interview with Shaima Almeer, Senior Space Data Analyst at Bahrain National Space Science Agency

Shaima Almeer is a young Bahraini lady that works as a senior space data analyst at the National Space Science Agency. At NSSA she is responsible for acquiring data from satellite images and analyzing them into meaningful information aiming to serve more than 21 governmental entities. Shaima is also committed to publishing scientific research papers, aiming to support and spread the knowledge to others. In addition, she has recently graduated from a fellowship program at Bahrain’s Prime Minister’s Office. Shaima was selected among more than 1000 individuals to spend a year working as full-time research fellow, benefiting from advanced training in writing skills, research methods and policy analysis. The fellowship forms a core pillar of HRH the CP and PM initiative to improve national skills and support the Kingdom’s growing cadre of young government professionals. Part of the fellowship program is to work as a supervisor at the COVID-19 War Room. Shaima has obtained her bachelor’s degree in the field of Information and Communication Technology from Bahrain Polytechnic and is currently pursuing her Msc. degree in Management Information System from the University College of Bahrain. Prior to obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Shaima was titled as the first robotics programmer in the Kingdom of Bahrain and also won the title “Pioneering Women in Technology”. She has recently also won the “Women Innovator of the Year 2023 Award” in New Dehli.

Interview with Harriette Okal, Associate Scientist, Stockholm Environment Institute

How do you professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

As a hydrologist, I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of space technologies in transforming water resource management. My work integrates satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) data with hydrological modelling, particularly for drought and flood monitoring, and water availability assessments in regions with scarce ground data. EO technologies allow me to capture real-time, high-resolution data, critical for climate resilience, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Interview with Aziza Baubekova, PhD., Postdoctoral Researcher at the Water, Energy and Environment Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

Dr. Aziza Baubekova's research tackles critical environmental and water-related challenges in water-scarce regions using innovative approaches like remote sensing and machine learning. Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also offers practical and policy solutions for developing countries. By applying quantifiable methods, her research provides actionable tools for integrated water resources and ecosystem management, addressing issues related to hydrologic conditions and human impact. Despite earning all her degrees in Europe, Dr. Baubekova maintains a deep connection to Central Asia, focusing her research on the region's unique environmental challenges. As a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering Research Unit at the University of Oulu, she contributes significantly to projects like TU-NEXUS, which aims to develop decision-making tools for transboundary river management in Central Asia. Her PhD, completed with distinction in 2023, covers topics such as hydrologic changes, climate change impacts, and coastal ecosystem threats. Beyond her academic work, Dr. Baubekova actively fosters partnerships between Finland and Central Asian institutions, supporting knowledge transfer and technology exchange. As Vice Chair of Young Water Professionals Finland, she promotes professional development, knowledge sharing, and networking opportunities for young water experts.

Interview with Prof. Emerita Kristine M. Larson

Oil Spill in Peru - Call for Action - Spread the word

Teaser of call for action on oil spill in peru showing a coast line

Urgent: We share this survey with the aim of recording information on the areas affected by the spill from the La Pampilla refinery, Ventanilla - Callao, which occurred on January 15, 2022 in Lima, Peru. It is a project of part of the group of students and volunteers of GeoPathways Peru.
https://arcg.is/1X0uae

Call: CASSINI Maritime Prize Contest - EU Space for Marine Ecosystems Protection

Of the 300 million tons of plastic produced every year, an estimated 26 million eventually ends up in the ocean. As a result, some estimates suggest there are now 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans and seas. Even more concerning is the fact that this number is expected to increase, with National Geographic predicting that the annual amount of plastic flowing into the oceans will triple by 2040.

Call: Youth4Water Essay Competition 2022

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), in collaboration with the Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC), has launched the 2022 edition of the Space4Youth Essay Competition! Water scarcity is a major global challenge. Young people play a key role. UNOOSA and SGAC want to give a voice to and promote youth's ideas on the use of space for water resources management and aquatic ecosystem preservation.

Building a Caribbean Wide Satellite Oil Spill Monitoring Program

In recent years, the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) has faced challenges from oil spills. Despite these known risks, the WCR lacks an operational oil spill surveillance service. Oil spills, as in the case of the 2019 Brazilian incident, are often detected only after the oil has reached environmentally sensitive coastal areas, with surveillance requests sent piecemeal to government agencies in the United States and Europe.

Call for Applications: Internal Research Fellow in Earth Observation for Earth System Science

The ESA-ESRIN Earth System Science Hub has 5 positions open for new Post-Docs (Internal Research Fellows)

Call: 2nd Global Online Stakeholder Consultation in preparation for the UN 2023 Water Conference

Contribute your inputs on the themes proposed by the co-hosts for the UN 2023 Water Conference interactive dialogues!

Interview with Mina Konaka, Satellite engineer at JAXA

Interview with Dieudonne Ilboudo, Water and Environment Specialist, General Office of Agro-Pastoral Development and Irrigation of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal and Fisheries Resources of Burkina Faso

Interview with Stephanie Tumampos, PhD Student at Chair of Remote Sensing Technology, Technical University Munich

How do your professional career and/or your personal experience relate to space technologies and water?

Interview with Chiara Richiardi, Researcher at ENEA

How do you personally and professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

Interview with Shaima Almeer, Senior Space Data Analyst at Bahrain National Space Science Agency

Interview with Harriette Okal, Associate Scientist, Stockholm Environment Institute

How do you professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

Interview with Aziza Baubekova, PhD., Postdoctoral Researcher at the Water, Energy and Environment Research Unit at the University of Oulu, Finland

Interview with Padmi Ranasinghe, Doctoral student in Urban Planning and Public Policy at the University of Texas (UT) - Arlington

Interview with Victor Pellet, CNES PostDoc, Paris Observatory

Describe experience relating to water and space technologies

Register for the 1st Space4Water Stakeholder Meeting - End or registration: 30 September

Space4Water stakeholders, featured young professionals and professionals, join us in Vienna at the 1st Space4Water Stakeholder Meeting.

Dates and location

The workshop will take place on 27-28 October 2022 at the Vienna International Centre, with an opportunity to host it online, should COVID prevent travels in October.

Registration

To be considered for participation Space4Water stakeholders and featured professionals can register here.

Register for the Third Space4Water Stakeholder Meeting

co-organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
and the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW)

5 years of Space 4 Water - ebook on the Space4Water Project published

Photo of the printed version of the Space4Water Publication

Dear Space4Water Community,

Register for the 3rd Space4Water Stakeholder Meeting: Registration open

24-25 October 2023, at the Vienna International Centre

organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
co-organised with the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW)

This event is restricted to Space4Water stakeholders, featured professionals, young professionals and representatives of Indigenous communities featured on the portal.

Register for the 2nd Space4Water Stakeholder Meeting - End of registration: 30 April

organised by UNOOSA in partnership with the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW)
11-12 May 2023, Online

This event is restricted to Space4Water stakeholders, featured professionals, young professionals and representatives of Indigenous communities featured on the portal.

Registration for speakers submitting technical presentations closes on 15 April 2023.
Registration for all other participants closes on 30 April 2023.

Register for the Fourth Space4Water Stakeholder Meeting

co-organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
and the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW)

Call for Nominations GEO AquaWatch Management Team

DEADLINE December 6th!

AquaWatch, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) water quality initiative is developing and building the global capacity and utility of EO-derived water quality data, products and information to support effective monitoring, management and decision making. GEO AquaWatch seeks nominations of individuals to serve on our Management Team for the 2023-2026 triennium. Early Career Scientists are encouraged to apply. These roles are unpaid and voluntary.

ARSET - Remote sensing of coastal ecosystems

Overview:

Coastal and marine ecosystems serve key roles for carbon storage, nutrients and materials cycling, as well as reservoirs of biodiversity. They also provide ecosystems services such as sustenance for millions of people, coastal protection against wave action, and recreational activities. Remote sensing of coastal and marine ecosystems is particularly challenging. Up to 90% of the signal received by the sensors in orbit comes from the atmosphere.

ARSET - Introduction to remote sensing of harmful algal blooms

Obvious:

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can have a negative impact on the ecosystem and human health. Satellite remote sensing is able to collect data frequently and over a large area to identify impaired water quality from HABs. This data can inform decision-makers on where best to put their resources for taking water samples, determine what toxins are in the water, whether they need to change or move drinking water intakes, and whether a fishery needs to be closed. Remote sensing data enables individuals and organizations to have more flexible plans for water sampling.

Monitoring The Oceans From Space

The Copernicus/EUMETSAT Monitoring The Oceans From Space MOOC was first released in 2016 on the FutureLearn MOOC platform as a complete and highly innovative course which included videos, interactive exercises, tests, links, data apps and further reading. The course was run a number of times and introduced diverse new audiences to satellite Earth observation data.

Copernicus Marine Data Stream for Operational Services - Ocean Applications

Overview

This is a free virtual (online only) workshop held in English. The majority of the course is composed of self-paced learning with educational resources provided through an online learning platform called Moodle. However, instructors will also be running live training sessions in the 2nd and 3rd weeks, where participants have the opportunity to join two-hour live ‘espresso’ training sessions covering SNAP and python demos, data access, tailored workflows, and question and answer sessions for 1:1 interaction.

ARSET - Integrating remote sensing into a water quality monitoring program

Overview:

These training webinars will focus on integrating NASA Earth observations into water quality monitoring decision making processes. This will include a brief overview of data products used for water quality monitoring, an overview of aquatic remote sensing-specific criteria, methods and best practices, obtaining NASA Earth observation data for water quality monitoring, and practical skill building in image processing for water quality monitoring of coastal and larger inland water bodies.

ARSET - Introduction to remote sensing for coastal and ocean applications

Overview:

In this introductory webinar, participants will be provided with an overview of remote sensing for coastal and ocean applications. This will include a background in aquatic remote sensing, data access and tools for processing and analysing imagery, and examples and live demonstrations of applied science tools that have been developed for NASA and partner organizations. This course will review data products from MODIS, VIIRS, HICO, and other sensors commonly used for ocean applications.

ARSET - Fundamentals of remote sensing

Description

These webinars are available for viewing at any time. They provide basic information about the fundamentals of remote sensing, and are often a prerequisite for other ARSET trainings.

Data Recipes & Short Tutorials

Overview

Data recipes are video tutorials that include step-by-step instructions to help users learn how to discover, access, subset, visualize and use Earth science data, information, tools and services. These recipes cover many different data products across the Earth science disciplines and different processing languages/software.

Fragile Earth: Theory Guided Data Science to Enhance Scientific Discovery

The Fragile Earth workshop will be at KDD ’19, Earth Day takes place in Anchorage on August 5th. FEED ’19 will bring together the research, industry, and policy community around enhancing scientific discovery in the earth sciences through the joint use of data, theory, and computation. The conference topics will be about food security, water scarcity, energy use, land restoration,climate models, or the incorporation of theoretical thinking into data driven frameworks of scientific discovery, and related areas.

8th Biennial UF Water Institute Symposium

The UF Water Institute and Duke Energy invite you to participate in the 8th biennial UF Water Institute Symposium. The Symposium will bring together individuals from a broad range of disciplines and organizations to explore water issues from multiple perspectives. The 2022 Symposium will focus on innovative science, technology, education, policy, and management advances that address the following pressing water issues:

International Conference on Earth Observation and Geo-spatial Information 2023

The first edition of the IEEE International Conference on Earth Observation and Geo-spatial Information (ICEOGI) 2023 is co-organized by the LTIR Laboratory of the University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algiers and the LITIO Laboratory of the University of Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella (UORAN1), Oran.

2025 UN Ocean Conference

The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.

Amsterdam International Water Week

The AIWW supports a sustainable water environment by providing a platform to connect those who face challenges with those who can contribute to solutions, both in the public and private domain. It supports stakeholders in building practical solutions for progress on water issues.

Face to Face course on Cloud Computing and Algorithms for EO Analyses

The third F2F course of the EO AFRICA R&D Facility will take place in Rabat in close cooperation with CRASTE-LF. African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology in French Language.

United Nations/Austria World Space Forum 'Access to Space4All'

Launching in November 2019, the WORLD SPACE FORUM is a new event series hosted by the United Nations that is built on the recommendations generated at three High-Level Fora held from 2016 to 2018.The sequence of Fora demonstrated the growing interest of an increasing number of actors in discussing the future of space and of international cooperation along the pillars of space economy, space society, space accessibility and space diplomacy.

2022 IEEE International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium - IGARSS 2022

The International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS) is the flagship conference of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society (GRSS). It is aimed at providing a platform for sharing knowledge and experience on recent developments and advancements in geoscience and remote sensing technologies, particularly in the context of earth observation, disaster monitoring and risk assessment.

9th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment (RSCy2023)

The 9th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of Environment or RSCy2023 will be held in Cyprus on 3-5 April, 2023.

The RSCy2023 is organized by the Cyprus Remote Sensing Society in cooperation with ESA, NASA, Copernicus, DLR, Group On Earth Observations, the Department of Electronic Communications of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Technical Chamber of Cyprus, the Cyprus Department of Meteorology and the Agricultural Research Institute.

The conference is published by SPIE.

EO FOR WATER CYCLE SCIENCE 2020 (online event)

Background

In the coming decades increasing population will drastically rise the demand for freshwater. Today, more than 600 million people lack access to safe drinking water and estimates show that with current practices, the world will face a 40% shortfall between forecast demand and available supply of water by 2030. Needs to increase agricultural production will significantly impact water withdrawals and will increase stress on people living in regions already suffering from water scarcity.

ISPRS Geospatial Week 2023

The ISPRS will host the first Geospatial Week in Africa and Middle East in Egypt, 2023; with the the "Remote Sensing for Better Future". The ISPRS Geospatial Week (GSW) is a combination of workshops organised by about 30 ISPRS Working Groups active in areas of interest of ISPRS.The GSW will provide a platform for international scholars, graduate students, future scientists and industrial sectors to learn exchange knowledge and experiences of applying geospatial technologies for sustainable development for better quality of life for people around the world.

The 32nd IAF workshop on "Resilient coasts, resilient Earth: Innovative space solutions for coastal resilience and emergency management"

With the support of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, the workshop takes place in Sydney, Australia 26 to 28 September 2025, in conjunction with the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) at the International Convention Centre, Sydney.

vEGU21

Aims & scope:

The EGU General Assembly 2021 (virtual) will bring together geoscientists from all over the world to one meeting covering all disciplines of the Earth, planetary, and space sciences. The EGU aims to provide a forum where scientists, especially early career researchers, can present their work and discuss their ideas with experts in all fields of geoscience.

The 9th Digital Earth Summit 2022: Digital Earth to Bridge Digital Divide for Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals

The 9th Digital Earth Summit 2022, on theme

"Digital Earth to Bridge Digital Divide for Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals"

will be held in Chennai, by the Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University from September 6th - 8th, 2022.

Surface Plastic Remote Sensing (SPARSE) Workshop

The workshop will be held at Santa Chiara Lab, University of Siena, Italy on May 28-30, 2025.

An international workshop sponsored by The European Space Agency, Future Earth, and the Labex CaPPA through IMT Nord Europe; supported by the international program SOLAS and hosted by the Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy of the University of Siena, Italy, in the historical settings of the Santa Chiara Lab in Siena city center.

ROORKEE WATER CONCLAVE

The Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and the National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee jointly decided to organize regular international conference every 2 years in the area of various facets of water to be known as Roorkee Water Conclave. The present water conclave is being organized broadly focusing on "Hydrological Aspects of Climate Change".

United Nations/China Forum on Space Solutions

United Nations / China Forum on Space Solutions: Realizing the Sustainable Development Goals

Co-organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs and China National Space Administration

Multi-Stakeholder Thematic Webinars: Preparing for the Water Conference and the Water Action Agenda

The Multi-Stakeholder Thematic Webinars will be held virtually as an additional opportunity for stakeholders to prepare for the UN 2023 Water Conference, including to encourage their contributions to the Water Action Agenda.

Hybrid International Symposium 2022

The Department of Aquatic Resources Management (IPB University, Indonesia) invites you to participate in The Hybrid International Symposium 2022.

2024 Ocean Decade Conference

2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference - Delivering the science we need for the ocean we want - 10-12 2024 - Barcelona, Spain

Three years after the start of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference will bring together the Ocean Decade community and partners to celebrate achievements and set joint priorities for the future of the Decade. It will take place on 10-12 April 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.

‘Delivering the science we need for the ocean we want’

Korea International Water Week

KIWW with the topic of 'Water Partnership for Sustainable Development' is seeking to be one of the World's three major Water events along with the World Water Week in Stockholm and the Singapore International Water Week.

Date: September 4(Wed)-7(Sat), 2019

Venue: EXCO, Daegu Metropolitan City

Main Theme: Sustainable Water Management for Human and Nature

Sub-Theme: Smart Solutions for Integrated Water Management

Host:

UN Ocean Conference

About the 2022 UN Ocean Conference

The ocean covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, is the planet's largest biosphere, and is home to up to 80 percent of all life in the world. It generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 percent of the additional heat generated from those emissions. It is not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest carbon sink - a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change.

IUCN World Conservation Congress

The first hybrid in-person and virtual environmental event since the pandemic began, the Congress will drive action on nature-based recovery, climate change and biodiversity post-2020.

About

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is jointly organised by IUCN and Marseille, hosted by the French Government.

Advanced Ocean Training Course 2019

ESA, in cooperation with the Technical University of Crete, is organising an advanced Ocean Synergy Training Course devoted to training the next generation of Earth Observation scientists to exploit data from ESA and Third Party Mission instruments for ocean science and application development (e.g. with the Copernicus Sentinels). The course will be held at the Venetian Arsenali building at the Center of Mediterranean Architecture, Chania, in Crete (Greece) from 04 to 08 November 2019.

ICSWGWI 2022: 16. International Conference on Surface Water and Ground Water Interactions - Sydney, Australia

The International Research Conference is a federated organization dedicated to bringing together a significant number of diverse scholarly events for presentation within the conference program. Events will run over a span of time during the conference depending on the number and length of the presentations. With its high quality, it provides an exceptional value for students, academics and industry researchers.

6th Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit 2023

The sixth Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit is an integral part of the Our Ocean Conference, which will take place in Panama on February 27 – March 1, 2023. Sustainable Ocean Alliance is proud to co-host the Summit, in cooperation with Our Ocean Conference organizers. Programming will be delivered in English, with simultaneous translation in Spanish.

Global Workshop on Source-to-sea Management

While freshwater and marine specialists have largely worked in silos, nature has always worked as one: the land, freshwater, and ocean ecosystems are closely interlinked and interdependent. The source-to-sea approach aims at bridging existing gaps by connecting the ecosystems’ management and tackling maritime pollution at the source, upstream. Managing land, freshwater, coastal and marine resources holistically – from source to sea – is critical to protect our oceans, and manage our freshwater as well as land resources sustainably.

IWRA’s XVII World Water Congress

IWRA organises and supports international water congresses and events related to advancing water resources knowledge, policy and management around the world. Since 1973, IWRA has held a World Water Congress every three years in various locations around the world.

14th International Conference on Hydroinformatics HIC 2022 − Water INFLUENCE

About

Hydroinformatics focuses on the application of information and communications technologies, to address problems in the water industry, water resources management, and other fields connected to the aquatic environment. New trends, like the digital transformation of urban water systems, smart water networks and smart cities demand multi-disciplinarity and interoperability, to ensure a sustainable management of water resources.

39th International Sympsonium on Remote Sensing of Environment

In this inspiring time for the space sector and its important contribution towards helping to realise the timely delivery of the SDG’s, ISRSE-39 offers a unique opportunity for in-depth, cross-disciplinary exchanges between key public and private sectors organizations and leading actors in the field of satellite observing systems, remote sensing applications and information services. A global event, the symposium places strong emphasis on practical applications and societal outcomes - at local, national and regional levels.

The 2022 Workshop on Earth Observation for Ecosystem Accounting (EO4EA 2022)

The objective of the 2022 Workshop on Earth Observation for Ecosystem Accounting is to bring together experts in Earth Observation and experts in Ecosystem Accounting to jointly discuss the key challenges that need to be addressed in order to use Earth Observation in compiling national ecosystem accounts to support national policies.

Geospatial World Forum (GWF)

Geospatial World Forum (GWF) is an annual gathering of geospatial professionals and leaders representing the entire ecosystem of public policies, national mapping agencies, private sector enterprises, multilateral and development organizations, scientific and academic institutions, and large end-users from government businesses and citizen services.

Public-Private partnerships for Copernicus water services

Free registration

The use of the Copernicus program for monitoring inland waters highlights the links with the political and legislative cycle: this covers water policies as well as policies related to agriculture and the environment. Modern decision-making in these domains aims to take into account existing Earth Observation technologies, which are greatly aided by innovations developed in the private sector.

Water Security and Climate Change Conference

We are pleased to announce that abstracts are now being solicited for the WSCC 2019; organized by the Centers for Natural Resources and Development – CNRD (TH Köln), the Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí- UASLP, the International Network on Sustainable Water Management in Developing Countries - SWINDON (TU Braunschweig) in cooperation with the Food Security Center - FSC.

ICSWGWI 2022: 16. International Conference on Surface Water and Ground Water Interactions - Lisbon, Portugal

14th Geospatial World Forum 2023

Now in its 14th edition, Geospatial World Forum (GWF) has become a not-to-be-missed conference for the professionals engaged in geospatial and allied sectors. It is a collaborative and interactive platform that demonstrates the collective and shared vision of the global geospatial community.

GEO Blue Planet 5th Symposium

GEO Blue Planet will hold its 5th Symposium between 24 and 28 October 2022. For the first time, this signature GEO Blue Planet event will take place in Africa, in Accra, Ghana. This year’s symposium, themed Local Action in Support of Global Traction, is specifically geared towards improving GEO Blue Planet’s engagement with African nations in an effort to expand the EO community of practice, strengthen local capacity and provide access to resources, tools and services.

WATER FILM PRIZE & LET'S TALK ABOUT WATER FILM FESTIVAL

The Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan and the Let's Talk About Water Film and Water Symposia are proud to present the international Water Film Prize and Let's Talk About Water Film Festival, being held for the first time in Saskatoon, Canada from June 13 - 19, 2020.

Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity

“Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity” (Stockholm+50) will take place five decades after the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment. The event will provide leaders with an opportunity to draw on 50 years of multilateral environmental action to achieve the bold and urgent action needed to secure a better future on a healthy planet.

Webinar: EU Space for plastic detection in ocean and waterways

Almost 26 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated in Europe every year and around 80% of marine litter is plastic. It causes one of the most pressing environmental problems, posing threats on aquatic life, ecosystems and human health due to contamination of food and drinking water. It has also important economic impacts on coastal communities, tourism and fisheries.

Second International Operational Satellite Oceanography Symposium

Overview:

The Executive Steering and Programme Committees are pleased to invite community members from all levels of the value chain, from data providers to users, of operational satellite oceanographic data, products and applications, to attend the 2nd international Operational Satellite Oceanography (OSO) Symposium to be held in a virtual format on 25-27 May 2021.

The meeting is co-organised by EUMETSAT & NOAA NESDIS STAR.

One Ocean Science Congress

The One Ocean Science Congress will be held in Nice, France on 3-6 June, 2025.

There is One Ocean

There is One Ocean, a global common and a critical resource to human prosperity and well-being. It plays a crucial role in regulating the climate and supporting the livelihoods of three billion people, the vast majority in developing countries.

Face to Face course on Earth Observations for Water Resources Assessment and Monitoring

The second F2F course of the EO AFRICA R&D Facility will take place in Accra, Ghana, immediately after the United Nations/Ghana 5th International Conference on the Use of Space Technologies for Water Resources Management.

5th Space for Hydrology Workshop

The European Space Agency, in the context of the "Earth Observations Science for Society" Programme, the Global Energy and Water EXchanges project (GEWEX) of the World Climate Research Programme and Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES) are organising a sequel joint event to Hydrospace2021 and EO4Water2020, called 5th Space for Water Cycle and Hydrology Workshop, HYDROSPACE 2023.

Local Perspectives Case Studies

Need of geospatial analysis on further strengthening water sensitive urban planning and design to stormwater management in the Greater Colombo metropolitan area

Beddagana wetland Park in western province, outside of Colombo. Photo by Sureshkumar1213. CC.

In urban environments, three distinct water systems can typically be identified: (1) the drinking water supply, (2) the wastewater/sewer system, and (3) the rainwater/stormwater management system. While many cities are situated within urban watersheds, urban development has a significant impact on urban hydrology-associated environments, including waterways, coastal waters, and water supply catchments. Managing water flows within an urban setting is critically important, as original natural ecosystems have undergone significant land changes alongside anticipated precipitation variations due to climate change. It is imperative for urban areas situated on or near waterfronts to prioritize this matter. Therefore, water-sensitive urban planning and design framework integrating Nature-based Solutions in coastal, delta, and riverine cities within urban watersheds. It is similar to Green Infrastructure and/or Stormwater Best Management Practices, as well as Low-Impact Development, and the Water Sensitive Urban Design concept, which is an innovative framework for urban planning and design. It has evolved from its initial focus on stormwater management to encompass a more comprehensive approach to sustainable urban water management. It offers a cohesive framework for integrating the interactions between the built environment, including urban landscapes and the urban water cycle. Colombo, the commercial and financial hub of Sri Lanka, faces significant challenges due to its aging and congested urban infrastructure. The city is built on thirty-six wetland patches linked by a 50-kilometer man-made canal system called the Colombo Wetland Complex (CWC). Due to its strong connection with its wetland complex, Colombo City was recognized as the first capital to be accredited as an International Wetland City by Ramsar in 2018. The CWC includes open-water lakes, a canal system, wet woodlands, herb-dominated areas, riverine forests, active and abandoned paddy fields, and reedbeds. These wetlands provide crucial ecosystem services, enhancing residents' well-being through water purification, urban flood mitigation, temperature regulation, recreational opportunities, and urban agriculture. Revitalizing and developing the city, as well as encroachments, has led to the loss of its natural mosaic and ecosystem services. It is essential to explore sustainable solutions that address significant urban water management issues, including stormwater, wastewater, and groundwater.

Sea-level rise and potential predictions for sinking of the Delta in Egypt

According to a recent report by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Nile Delta is increasingly vulnerable to coastal flooding due to rising sea levels which is an implication of global warming . The report also highlights that approximately 2,660 km2 in the northern Delta are projected to be submerged by the year 2100. This comprises about 25% of the Delta as stated by mathematical models. Coastal cities , like Alexandria, are also facing same problem. It is said that every year Alexandria sinks by about three millimeters. Experts say that this is due to the lack of silt in the soil, which has a solidifying effect and is increasingly being retained by the Nile Dam in Aswan, Upper Egypt. All that relates to water, as global warming results in elevating sea levels and hence flooding of coastal cities is at stake.

e-shape

e-shape is a unique initiative that brings together decades of public investment in Earth Observation and in cloud capabilities into services for the decision-makers, the citizens, the industry and the researchers. It allows Europe to position itself as global force in Earth observation through leveraging Copernicus, making use of existing European capacities and improving user uptake of the data from GEO assets. EuroGEO, as Europe's contribution to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), aims at bringing together Earth Observation resources in Europe.

Mekong Dam Monitor

The Mekong Dam Monitor is an online platform which uses remote sensing, satellite imagery, and GIS analysis to provide near-real time reporting and data downloads across numerous previously unreported indicators in the Mekong Basin. The platform is freely available for public use on the Mekong Water Data Initiative website and all research inputs are public-access resources.

Oil Spill Detection System in the Arabian Gulf Region: An Azure Machine-Learning Approach

Locating oil spills is a crucial portion of an effective marine contamination administration. In this project, we address the issue of oil spillage location exposure within the Arabian Gulf region, by leveraging a Machine-Learning (ML) workflow on a cloud-based computing platform: Microsoft Azure Machine-Learning Service (Custom Vision). Our workflow comprises a virtual machine, a database, and four modules (an Information Collection Module, a Discovery Show, an Application Module, and a Choice Module).

MarineAware

MarineAware is a modelling and visualisation platform for identifying and responding to oil spills at sea. It was developed by Riskaware for the Earth and Sea Observation System (EASOS) project as part of the UK Space’s Agency’s International Partnership Programme (IPP). Since it's initial development for the EASOS project, MarineAware and its modelling output have been used by the UK, US and Malaysian governments, as well as by commercial response and salvage companies in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS)

The United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies (UNU-CRIS) is a research and training institute of the United Nations University. UNU is a global network of institutes and programs engaged in research and capacity development to support the universal goals of the UN. It brings together leading scholars from around the world with a view to generate strong and innovative knowledge on how to tackle pressing global problems. UNU-CRIS focuses on the study of processes of global cooperation and regional integration and their implications.

Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab, University of the Punjab

The emerging demand of GIS and Space Applications for Climate Change studies for the socio-economic development of Pakistan along with Government of Pakistan Vision 2025, Space Vision 2047 of National Space Agency of Pakistan, and achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) impelled the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) to establish Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL) at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.

Status and outlook of the Space4Water Project of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs: three years of Space4Water

Space-based Solution

Flood modeling for melting glacier - need for input

Flood modeling for melting glacier - need for input

Published on 01 Dec 2023

Flood modeling for melting glacier - need for input

Published on 01 Dec 2023 , by

Lukas Graf

PhD student at Crop Science Group at ETH Zurich

Center for Space Science and Geomatics Studies (CSSGS), Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University

Addressed challenge(s)

Potential consequences due to the melting Athabasca glacier, Canada

Collaborating actors (stakeholders, professionals, young professionals or Indigenous voices)

Center for Space Science and Geomatics Studies (CSSGS), Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University

Lukas Graf

PhD student at Crop Science Group at ETH Zurich

Assessment of the challenge

Need more data about the location of the community and their usage of water
Split the challenge into a “glacier” and a down-stream challenge
No up-to-date weather data available since 2011
Discharge and temperature, rainfall and snow data available
Digital elevation surface and terrain model available

Outline steps to a solution & status

Inventory of the snow cover and watershed area (completed)
Build a regression model using historical data to assess the relationship between snow melt, temperature and discharge (to do)
HEC-RAS for flood modelling (to do)
Use climate change projections to predict future discharge and flood extents (to do)
Impact assessment: downstream impact analysis of hydro-power and agriculture in case needed (to do)

Requirements

Software

HEC-RAS software: https://www.hec.usace.army.mil/software/hec-ras/

Data

Digital Surface Model and Digital Terrain Model: https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/957782bf-847c-4644-a757-e383c005…

Physical

Weather station - if more detailed data are needed by the community
Snow monitoring (snow depth sensor)

Relevant publications

SDG 14 - Life below water

Facts and Figures

Space-based Technologies for SDG 14

SDG 14 Targets

Learn more about the SDGs

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