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OBSERVER: Space for Our Planet

OBSERVER: Space for Our Planet

On Tuesday 28 September, representatives of the European Earth Observation community gathered in Brussels, on the Esplanade Solidarność 1980, in front of the European Parliament’s main entrance, to inaugurate the new Space for Our Planet travelling exhibition. This exhibition, which will be on display in Belgium until 20 November, first on the European Parliament’s Esplanade, then on the campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles, seeks to promote the integral role that space data and services plays in the United Nations 2030 Agenda, with a particular focus on how the use of space resources contributes to the fulfilment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In parallel, from 1 October to 15 November 2021, it will be possible to view the exhibition in the gardens of the Paris Observatory.

Ribbon Cutting
From left to right: Matthias Petschke, Matthias Petschke, Director for Space at the European Commission’s DG for Defence industry and Space; Damian Boeselager, Member of the European Parliament; Simonetta Cheli, Head of Strategy, Programme & Coordination Office, Directorate for Earth Observation, ESA; Roya Ayazi, Secretary-General of NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies)

The exhibition features 25 testimonials from around the world. From fishermen to climate experts, astronauts to students, oceanographers to doctors, all were interviewed to gain understanding on how space technologies, services and applications are playing a significant role in achieving the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The inauguration saw the participation of Matthias Petschke, Director for Space at DG DEFIS (Defence, Industry and Space Directorate-General), who underlined the importance of Earth Observation in achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda: 

Director Matthias Petschke
Director Matthias Petschke:

"The European Commission is committed to the UN 2030 Agenda and has put in place an ambitious policy agenda to ensure sustainability in the EU and beyond. The SDGs will continue to provide the framework for all EU policies and investments of EU funds. Action at local, regional, national and EU level is needed to achieve a better and more sustainable future. Everyone must contribute to making sustainable development a reality.”



MEP Damian Boeselager recalled how dear this issue is to the European Parliament: 

MEP Damian Boeselager
MEP Damian Boeselager

In a recorded message, MEP Niklas Nienaß pointed out the importance of the applications of flagship initiatives such as Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS in the creation of a greener and safer future for everyone:

MEP Niklas Nienaß
Watch Niklas Nienaß's video message here.

Further views on the travelling exhibition and the role of space activities in creating a more sustainable future were shared by:

Simonetta Cheli
Simonetta Cheli, Head of Strategy, Programme & Coordination Office, Directorate for Earth Observation, ESA

 

Roya Ayazi
Roya Ayazi, Secretary-General of NEREUS (Network of European Regions Using Space Technologies)

 

Emmanuel de Lipkowski
Emmanuel de Lipkowski, Senior Advisor at CNES

 

Zainab Azim, Founder
Zainab Azim, Founder, G.I.V.E (Global Initiative and Vision for Education), Canada

 

Charlotte Gugenheim
Charlotte Gugenheim, Deputy Head of the Representation of the European Commission to Belgium

With the objective of raising public awareness of space-based solutions that provide invaluable support to the ecological transition towards a more sustainable future, the physical exhibition is complemented by the launch of a virtual tour with audio testimonials on the initiative’s website

The Space for our Planet exhibition showcases how Earth Observation, through the use of satellite data, provides scientists with essential data on glacier melt, rising sea levels, and weather events to help them analyse the impact of climate change and support policy makers in the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Communication and geolocation satellites provide connectivity in the most remote parts of the world, improving access to health and education, and optimising our travel management. 

Pictures from the exhibition

Exhibition 1Exhibition 2Exhibition 3Exhibition 4Exhibition 5Exhibition 6Exhibition 7

The exhibition is organised under the patronage of UNOOSA, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, with the support of the European Commission - Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space - DG DEFIS; the European Space Agency - ESA, the French Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales - CNES, NEREUS, the network of European regions using space technologies, and the Canadian association G.I.V.E (Global Initiative & Vision for Education). 

Among the many uses of space-based technology for achieving the UN’s SDGs, the EU’s Copernicus programme plays a key role. Space for Our Planet features a testimonial from Abdelaziz Kallel, a Lecturer at the Digital Research Centre in Sfax, Tunisia. Mr. Kallel explains that his institution uses Copernicus Sentinel-2 data to monitor the health of olive groves, which are of great importance to Tunisian agriculture. Through the use of Copernicus satellite data, the Digital Research Centre in Sfax is contributing to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. 

SDG 2

 

Space for Our Planet also features a testimonial from Emmanouela Ieronymidi, Project Manager at 

Planetek Hellas, Athens, Greece. Planetek Hellas uses Sentinel-1, -2 and -3 data for monitoring coastal areas affected by flooding. In contribution towards SDG 13: Climate Action, Ms. Ieronymidi calls on the public, and especially the younger generation, to get involved in the advancement of Earth Observation technology and downstream applications: “The more people who get involved in the advancement of Earth Observation technology and downstream applications, the better the chances we have of winning this race”. 

SDG 13

The UN SDGs lay out in clear terms the magnitude of the challenges our planet faces, from hunger, to poverty, to climate change, and how, collectively, we can address them. Today, space-based technologies, data and services, such as those delivered by the Copernicus Programme are a crucial tool in global efforts to address those challenges. By raising awareness of the importance of space in the achievement of the UN SDGs through this powerful exhibition, Space for our Planet will encourage current and upcoming generations to participate in the development, operation and use of space-based technologies for the benefit of all.