Harnessing Earth Observation and Satellite Information for Monitoring Desertification, Drought and Agricultural Activities in Developing Countries

With the drastic advances in technology over the past decades, the availability, as well as the quantity, of large data sets for research in almost every scientific field has increased dramati‐ cally. More specifically, the availability of earth observation-based imagery data and satellite information for research purposes and practical applications has grown with many organiza‐ tions such as the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration (NOAA), the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), etc. for example, through GEONETCast, which is part of the core Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), the users do not need to repeatedly build ground receiving stations for different satellites [1]. However, despite a wealth of remotely sensed data provided by GEONETCast, investments in science technology and innovations is often a low priority for decision and policy makers in most developing countries in Africa, Asia and global emerging economies like India and Brazil. Yet, most of these countries face serious environ‐ mental risks and development challenges which require reliable and timely access to accurate Earth Observation (EO) data and derived environmental information for their sustainable development. In particular, there is a clear need for research on the integration and utility of remote sensing data and products into the risk assessment cycle, scenario development and impact forecasting, in view of global (climate) change [2].