Eurisy Programme for Local and Regional Authorities: 2006-2010
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN SPACE AND LOCAL AND REGIONAL USERS

Eurisy is carrying out a five-year programme aiming at providing a forum to representatives from Regions and Cities throughout Europe, to assess new services based on space applications, share on their practices, challenges and issues, meet with service providers and institutions, and propose evolution for the future services, based on their own requirements.

A cycle of Conferences and Workshops throughout Europe will allow those users to debate both the general implementation issues and the specific needs of different geographical local authorities. The overall programme will enable a feed back to European decision makers on the reality of the implementation of the services by Local and Regional users.

Download Calendar of Events

Download Mid-Term Position Paper
English Version
French Version
German Version

Please find below the description of events that are taking place within the Eurisy Programme for Local and Regional Authorities.

CONFERENCE
Regional Policy: The Benefits of Satellite Information and Services
11 September 2008 - Brussels, Belgium

This conference, organised by Eurisy and hosted by the Committee of the Regions, presented the mid-term findings of Eurisy’s Programme for European Local and Regional Authorities (LRA) in order to stimulate the political debate on how to increase the benefits LRAs obtain from satellite information and services (SIS). 

As numerous best-practice examples prove, SIS are already providing useful and innovative solutions for LRAs to cope with societal, economic and environmental challenges. Moreover, LRAs seem to be in the best position to gain from SIS because of their increasing role in the European multilevel governance structure and their proximity to the issues specific to their territory. However, we observe that many LRAs do not yet profit from the benefits of SIS.

159 participants attended the Brussels conference (amongst which 71 regions were represented, along with 12 EC representatives and 13 Members of Parliament).  They were able to discuss a position paper, presenting recommendations on how to facilitate the access of LRAs to the benefits of satellite information and services.

The results and recommendations presented in Brussels were developed by European regions within the framework of Eurisy’s Programme for Local and Regional Authorities, during which they gave feedback on their experience in the use of SIS and helped elaborate practical recommendations. A wide-consultation process with stakeholders also contributed to their definition.

Eurisy’s LRA programme enables the identification of best practices by LRAs in using SIS, but also the difficulties induced by their very innovative nature implying a certain amount of risk in the organisation of their operations. Although the added value is very high, the implementation of satellite information and services requires the use, set-up and refinement of accompanying financial mechanisms, which were also discussed during the conference.

During the half-day meeting, European decision-makers, policy experts and space programme administrators, engaged in a dialogue with representatives from LRA to discuss the findings and recommendations of the position paper in particular and the possibilities for European regions and cities to be further supported in their appropriation of satellite information and services in general.

Download Programme and Presentations here

WORKSHOP
Innovation at the Service of Regional Growth
The Competitive Advantages of Satellite Information and Services
20-21 May 2008, Dublin, Ireland

Download Programme and Presentations
Download Conclusions & Recommendations

WORKSHOP
Local and Regional Risk Management
Integrated Use of Satellite Information and Services
10-11 March 2008 Sinaia, Romania

124 participants from 19 countries were welcomed in Sinaia, Romania, for the Eurisy workshop “Regional Risk Management – Integrated Use of Satellite Information and Services”, last 10-11 March 2008.

Mr G. Stahl, Secretary General of the Committee of the Regions, took the opportunity to reaffirm the strategic role Regions have to play in the protection of their citizens, of the environment, property and local economy. He equally emphasized the importance of innovation and territorial co-operation in risk management by Regions confronted with similar risks, and underlined the relevance of satellite information and services as tools for the Regions in dealing with risks.

The workshop was an opportunity for representatives of Local and Regional Authorities to exchange on best practices in the use of satellite information and services for dealing with risk.  Several examples of how these solutions are tested and used by the European Regions were given, whether in the framework of Interreg risk-focused projects such a RESCUE, DIS-ALP, MONITOR, etc, as well as in more local initiatives.

On the second day, the case study format allowed Timis County Council, together with a number of experts, to explore solutions and a possible economic model that should allow the Regional Authority to implement satellite information and services in a sustainable manner, to optimise the Timis Interregional Flood Rescue Centre.

Eurisy extends warm thanks to ROSA, for hosting the event, the Assembly of European Regions for co-organising it as well as the European Commission, the European Space Agency and Infoterra for their support in making this workshop a success.

Download:
Final Programme and Presentations
Conclusions & Recommendations

CONFERENCE
Areas and Mechanisms for Collaboration
Between Turkish and European Actors in Space Activities
22 – 23 October 2007 – Istanbul, Turkey

Key players from the European and Turkish space communities met on 22 and 23 October for the Eurisy conference “Areas and Mechanisms for Collaboration between Turkish and European Actors in Space Activities”. It was hosted by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) in its premises in the town of Gebze, near Istanbul. The Conference was co-organised with TÜBITAK and ESA, and supported by DLR and UNOOSA.

The objective of the meeting was to plant the seeds of future cooperation, by giving participants a chance to get to know each other and discuss possible areas of mutually profitable projects. For two days, 190 participants from 20 countries have discussed the mutual benefits to be drawn from working together, as well as the best mechanisms and methods of doing so. Prof. Dr Nüket Yetiş, acting president of TÜBİTAK said “It is a historical event in some ways, for Europe to see the potential of Turkey, and the Turkish side to see international opportunities.”

Turkish presentations provided a thorough insight into their current and future programmes in areas such as space science, Earth observation, telecommunications, positioning navigation research and applications, ground segment engineering and use, and technology developments. Institutions from both sides described the framework for developing partnerships. Cooperating ESA partners, such as Romania and the Czech Republic, presented first hand experience in initiating and cultivating such partnerships.

As Dr Colin Hicks, President of Eurisy, said in his concluding remarks: “Europe has been left in no doubt that Turkey has admirable vision and enormous ambition. In particular, Turkey has a commitment to increasing its investment in science and technology very rapidly with space as a priority.”  There is “also no doubt that Turkey wants to co-operate on space projects with European partners. As Prof Oz, Director of TÜBITAK Uzay, said, ‘Turkey is ready to run – together’”.

European participants restated their eagerness to engage in partnerships with Turkey, but while these could take place within larger institutional framework, such as the 7th Framework Programme of the European Commission, in which Turkey is a participating state, everyone recognised the importance of individual relationships. Colin Hicks said: “I think we all understand that while the desire for partnership may come from a top-down vision, the reality of successful partnerships will emerge bottom-up through the creation of good networks and excellent human relationships”.

A good example of this approach was visible in the parallel exhibition which created the background for many coffee-table, informal discussions and business card exchanges. "With some luck, we’ll sign the deal in some months", rejoiced one of the participants in a hallway talk. All participants hoped that this was only the beginning of such initiatives.

Eurisy expresses deep appreciation to Tübitak and ESA, who made this conference possible, to the speakers, panellists and chairs, and all participants for contributing to a historical event. Eurisy will closely watch the future development of cooperation and will gladly help again to facilitate further dialogue if need be.

Download final programme and conference presentations here.

WORKSHOP
Efficient Management of Coastal Regions and Cities: Implementation and Use of Space Application-Based Services
17 - 18 September 2007 – Tallinn, Estonia

The workshop “Efficient Management of Coastal Regions and Cities” was held in Tallinn, Estonia, on 17-18 September, with the kind contribution of Enterprise Estonia and the City of Tallinn which helped organise the event.

The Tallinn workshop was the second event of Eurisy’s programme dedicated to Local and Regional Authorities.

Several top local representatives welcomed participants from accross Europe and gave them an overall view of the activities of a small country with big ambitions – and achievements – in innovative industries, including the satellite-service industry.

Christel Liljeström, President of the Baltic Sea Commission of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) kick-started discussions by highlighting challenges facing coastal regions. European Commission representatives as well as satellite industry representatives took part in exchanges on how Coastal Regions could best benefit from satellite technologies to help address these challenges.

Coastal authority representatives gave experience and best practices presentations on a number of coast-related management issues: industrial and non-industrial fishing monitoring in the Atlantic and the Canary Islands, port management in Tallinn and Rotterdam, ice mapping in the Baltic Sea, environmental protection in the Morecombe Bay and of City of Venice, oil spill monitoring in Tuscany, flood protection in the City of London and other such interesting examples.

Experience presentations raised some interesting practical questions on the use of satellite services by coastal administrators, notably on such issues as cost, reliability and availability of data. For more on these exchanges, watch out for the conclusions and recommendations of the workshop, to be published on this website soon.

Download:
Final Programme
Speakers’ Presentations
Conclusions and Recommendations

CONFERENCE
Future Challenges for Local and Regional Authorities: How can Space Technology help?
29 – 30 May 2007 – Barcelona, Spain

The event brought to Barcelona numerous professionals from regions and cities and from the space technology and service sectors. The two-day programme was designed to encourage discussion and effective information exchange on the challenges ahead from the user perspective, and also to present possible solutions provided by existing and planned space applications in the areas of earth observation, positioning navigation and timing and telecommunications.

In particular, Users from Local and Regional authorities addressed the following items:
- Common challenges faced by service users from Local and Regional Authorities
- Good practices in the utilisation of Space Application based services by Local and Regional Authorities
- Current limitations and difficulties
- Requirements for future Services.

A parallel Service Expo was open to participants.

Download:

Final Programme and Presentations
Final Conclusions and Recommendations

The first follow up event was the Workshop for coastal regions (see above)

WORKSHOP
What Action at European Level for the European Community of Actors Involved in Education and Space?
7 March 2007, Paris, France

The Space Education workshop was organised by Eurisy in collaboration with CNES and held on March 7 in CNES headquarters in Paris.
The event was successful in that it lived up the objectives set: namely, to create an opportunity for meaningful exchanges on space education, with a view to allow for longer-term collaboration at a European level.
Representatives of the education and space sectors from 15 countries attended. One of the workshop’s main strengths proved to be its relevance to the participants, who were all there to learn from each other’s experience and to find out how they could work together to improve space education by coordinated efforts across Europe. The final programme and speakers’ presentations can be downloaded below.
Eurisy extends special thanks to CNES, to the speakers and panellists, for their valuable support in making this event a success.
Eurisy’s contribution to facilitating dialogue on European Space Education was warmly encouraged by speakers and attendees alike.

Download:
Workshop programme
Speakers’ presentations
Conclusions and Recommendations

CONFERENCE
Integration of the New EU Member Countries into the GMES Programme
12-14 December 2005 – Warsaw, Poland

Eurisy, in collaboration with the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the European Commission, ESA, CNES, and DLR, organized a conference on the “Integration of the new EU Member Countries into the GMES Programme” on December 12-14 2005 in Warsaw.

The Conference gathered and audience of over 160 participants, including representatives of public administration and local authorities from the new member states, current and potential end-users of GMES, researchers, representatives of private companies and NGOs.

Key speakers represented all major institutions and addressed space policy and applications in the new member states as well as candidate countries. Users’ and service elements’ needs were addressed at institutional and non institutional level.

The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) programme is the second European flagship in Space after the GALILEO navigation system. It is intended to ensure European independence in critical data sources for environmental monitoring and security. The focus of GMES is on the delivery of strategic environmental and civil security information and shall help Europe and its countries and regions to better implement their policies.

Only Earth Observation satellites can acquire global, long-term, standardized geo-information, yet Earth Observation and in-situ monitoring are mutually supportive. GMES shall therefore integrate observations from space-, air-, ground- and sea-based platforms for regional and global monitoring, providing essential information for policy- and decision-makers and to European business and citizens. It will establish its first operational capacities in 2008.

This Warsaw Conference followed the European Union Space Council (Nov 28 2005) and the ESA Council meeting at ministerial level (Dec 5/6 2005) at which a GMES programme was presented to Member States. The EU Space Council gave strong political support to GMES as a whole, while the ESA Ministerial Council has committed some 250 Meuro to launch the first phase of the GMES space component. This is about 25% above the proposed budget, which underlines the enthusiastic support ESA’s member states gave to the programme. Following the final adoption of the ESA GMES Declaration at the Ministerial Council, countries from new EU member states are now formally allowed to join the programme as a fully participating state.

This Conference provided the opportunity to further partnership throughout Europe, with a special focus on active participation of the new EU members in the future development and application of GMES. It set the context with other relevant EU initiatives, in particular INSPIRE (Infrastructure for Spatial Information in Europe), the Common Agricultural Policy, the Regional Development Policy, the Environment Action Plans and the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

To close the conference, a series of round table were organised by ESPI (European Space Policy Institute). These round tables served as a preparation to the GRAZ Conference, organised within the framework of the Austrian EU Presidency. They addressed the issue of the GMES market in Europe and its regions, and in particular the role of public entities.

You can download the Final Conclusions and Recommendations of the Conference below. The presentations are available on CD-Rom upon request at the Eurisy Secretariat at gmes@eurisy.org

CONFERENCE
Use of Space Technologies for the Conservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage
28 November / 2 December 2005 - Campeche, Mexico

Eurisy and UNESCO co-organised a conference on the Use of Space Technologies for the Conservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage, from 28 November to 2 December 2005. This conference took place in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, and UNESCO’s partnership with space agencies, space research institutions and universities. It was organised in close collaboration with the European Space Agency, and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) in Campeche, Mexico.

This conference was the third in a series organised by Eurisy, following up on “Space Applications for Heritage Conservation” held in Strasbourg, France in November 2002, and the “Contribution of Remote Sensing to the Management of Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites” held in Beirut, Lebanon, in December 2003. These two conferences were dedicated to the examination of the possible needs for space technologies in the area of site preservation, and to the identification of technical solutions. They were both very successful, attended by more than 180 experts from the space sector, and users. They indeed triggered an important expectation in the user community for practical solutions.

The Latin American event was scheduled to go one step further, and it provided concrete solutions and tools to site managers who came from all regions of the world.

The discussions covered the users’ needs and the solutions proposed by space technology for both natural and cultural heritage, as well as international initiatives and the role of the private sector.

CONFERENCE
Benefits from Space for Sectorial Policies For High Mountain Security
8-9 September 2005 - Geneva, Switzerland

Eurisy, together with the Swiss Federal Departments of Home and Foreign Affairs, co-organised a conference on the Benefits from Space for Sectorial Policies for High Mountain Security in Geneva on 8-9 September 2005, with the objective of increasing the awareness of decision-makers and experts of international organisations at European and UN level as to the challenges in terms of civil protection for disaster mitigation, management and rehabilitation as well as infrastructure protection in the fields of transport, telecommunications and energy.

The conference was attended by experts from over 11 countries (e.g. Nepal, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, Austria, Italy,.....) together with representatives of the European Commission and the United Nations.

Several themes were covered: Environmental Changes (Climate, Water Resources, ...); Civil Protection (Search & Rescue, Glacier and Permafrost Hazards, ...); Infrastructure Protection (Telemedicine, Landslides,...).

An interactive discussion with the panel and the audience was concluded by the drawing up of the Conclusions and Recommendations of the Conference.  To view this document, click here.

CONFERENCE
New Space Services for Maritime Users: the Impact of Space Technology on Maritime Legislation
21/23 February 2005 - UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France

This conference was organised with the support of ESA, EUMETSAT, UNESCO, CNES and EADS. It followed the conference on “The Impact of Satellite Technology on Maritime Security” organized by EURISY and INTA in Vigo, Spain (July 2003).  CD Roms containing the presentations are available on request at the Eurisy Secretariat. 

WORKSHOP
Tele-Health and Satellites
8/9 July 2004 - Rabat, Morocco

Co-organised with ESA, CNES, CRTS, UN/OOSA, I-Space and Lufthansa, the main purpose of the workshop was to compare the different approaches adopted by the different space agencies and the respective national, international and non-governmental authorities and to initiate international cooperation in the field of tele-health: potential users of systems e.g. decision-makers, medical doctors, surgeons, nurses, health officers, vets, entomologists and telecommunication specialists were among the participants at this workshop.

CONFERENCE
Danube and Europe: Integrated Space Applicatios in the Danube Basin
23/25 June 2004 - Mamaia, Romania

This conference was co-sponsored by the Romanian Space Agency, the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, and the European Space Agency (ESA).

The Danube Basin covers parts of the national territory of 18 European countries.  The conference demonstrated the use of satellite imagery, navigation and positioning, together with telecommunications and their integration in GIS and underlined their positive effects on economic development, environmental management and societal integration.

TRAINING COURSE
For Managers of Natural Heritage Sites
19/23 April 2004 - Carmen de Falda, Argentina

This course followed-up to the 2003 Lebanon Workshop (see below) and was organised by CONAE, ESA and UNESCO with the support of Eurisy. 

WORKSHOP
Contribution of Remote Sensing to the Management of Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites
15-17 December 2003 - Beirut, Lebanon

Within the framework of the partnership between the United Nations Education Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) known as the Open initiative in support of the World Heritage Convention, UNESCO, ESA and Eurisy co-organized this workshop for the benefit of the Arab countries.  It started with a training course (December 15 2003) and a workshop (December 16-17 2003) and was closed by a field trip to the World Heritage site of Baalbek (December 18 2003).

The objective of the workshop was to bring together experts dealing with heritage conservation issues (both natural and cultural) in the Arab countries in order for them to be exposed to the various possibilities that space technologies can offer as a tool to assist heritage conservation.

CONFERENCE
The Impact of Satellite Technology on Maritime Security
30 June/3 July 2003 - Vigo, Spain

Co-sponsored by ESA and INTA, this conference brought together authorities and experts concerned with maritime security and safety with experts in the application of space technologies.
The discussions of the 80 experts in sessions dealt with maritime operations, pollution, sustainable exploitation, safety and security. 

SUMMER SCHOOL
for PhD Students on Oceanography
June 2003 - Vigo, Spain

The Summer School gathered 20 PhD Students from Belgium, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Norway, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom, just before the above-mentioned Conference.  The CETMAR Foundation (Centro Tecnológico del Mar) in Vigo, kindly hosted this event.  Subjects covered included the use of satellite imagery for oceanography, covering all topics (fisheries, search & rescue operations, navigation, maritime insurance, etc.,) taking advantage of new information technologies (Geographical Information Systems - GIS), new data processing and interpretation techniques (e.g. optical/radar image fusion), application of altimeters.

CONFERENCE
Security: Services and Benefits from GMES
28-29 January 2003 - Matera, Italy

Jointly sponsored by ESA, ASI, Telespazio, Euforeo and Eurisy, the aim of the conference was to introduce the GMES initiative together with some of the developments and perspectives, and to create a framework for improving cooperation between NGOs and the small business sectors.

CONFERENCE
Space Applications for Heritage Conservation
5/8 November 2002 - Strasbourg, France

An international Conference was organised by Eurisy, the International Space University (ISU) the European Space Agency, NASA and UNESCO World Heritage Centre at ISU in the World Heritage city of Strasbourg. The aim of this conference, commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and also 30 years of civilian remote sensing satellites, was to bring together space experts and international experts who contribute towards the conservation efforts of national heritage and world heritage.  

SYMPOSIUM
Improving Water Resource Management and Desertification
Control – Use of Space-Based Information in North Africa and the Sahel
12/13 September 2002 - Rabat, Morocco

This Symposium was directed at decision makers dealing with issues related to water resource management and desertification control: government officials from the Environment, Public Works, Agriculture, and other ministries, as well as officials from funding institutions.  Its objective was to demonstrate that space technologies are a tool that can be used  to improve, and to provide coherence between different stages of the decision-making cycle.  The symposium was articulated around the three phases of the decision-making cycle : Strategy, Policy and Planning (long term aspects), Contingency Planning (short-term aspects) and Monitoring of Progress, which in turn impact strategy and policy.  The themes selected, namely water management and desertification control, are central issues for North African and Sahelian countries.

CONFERENCE
Peace-Building from Space: Use of Satellite Technologies for post-crises development
17/18 December 2001 - Geneva, Switzerland

The emphasis, as in the Varese Conference held in 2000, was on user needs, how far they could be met through satellite technology, what were the mechanisms which need to be set up in order to ensure the flow of information from the satellite provider, through the transformation of data from various sources into useful information for the end user? 

The aim of the conference was to provide the answers to these questions and make concrete proposals for future actions.  With this in mind, a series of Working Groups were set up, combining representatives of the user community and representatives from satellite providers and value-added companies, under the leadership of experts in the field.  The emphasis was on Peacekeeping, but the solutions were also adapted to the wider context of disaster relief. 

NINTH INFORMATION YOUTH FORUM
Climate Change: Past and Future 
1-4 November 2001 - Granada, Spain

The Forum was held in the Science Park in Granada.  It was co-organised with the Senior Council for Scientific Investigation and the National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA).  The theme of the Forum was “Climate Change: Past and Future”.  It was attended by students coming from Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Norway, Spain and Switzerland.

SUMMER SCHOOL FOR PHD STUENTS
Environmental Security
1-7 September 2001  - Budapest, Hungary

The first Summer School for PhD students took place at the Technical University in Budapest.  The themes was environmental security.  To take advantage of the international experts at the Summer School, a Decision-Makers meeting was organised on the 7 September morning where presentations were made to members of the Hungarian government by both the lecturers and the students.

The Summer School was a very effective way of communication between the various professions in the field on climatic studies, environmental change, agriculture, etc. and proved an excellent forum for the future researchers with experts in these fields.  All participants strongly recommended that this Summer School should become an annual event, and that its success was due not only to the content of the programme but also thanks to the structure of the group and the informal manner of lectures and discussions.

This Summer School was attend by 20 students coming from Eastern and Western European universities.

WORKSHOPS
2nd ESA/Industry Space Days
23 November 2000 - Prague, Czech Republic
04 December 2000 - Budapest, Hungary

On behalf of ESA, EURISY organised four one-day workshops in Eastern Europe with the aim of encouraging SMEs in Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Romania to participate in the 2nd ESA/Industry Space Days in ESTEC in May 2001.  The workshops in Prague and Budapest took place on 23 November and 4 December 2000 respectively.

EIGHTH INFORMATION YOUTH FORUM
Space Technology’s contribution to Transportation
2-5 November 2000 - Lucerne, Switzerland

EURISY held its eighth Youth Forum in Lucerne on 2-5 November.  The Forum was organised with the close collaboration of Contraves Space Ltd and was co-sponsored by various institutions in Switzerland together with several EURISY Members (EUMETSAT, BNSC, CNES, Norwegian Space Centre).  Teams came from Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Norway, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Romania and Russia.

CONFERENCE
MARISY 2000 - The New Era of Earth Observation and Geo-Information
26/27 October 2000 - Rabat, Morocco

This conference was organised by CRTS (Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale) in Rabat, Morocco.  Eurisy supplied support in organising and coordinating the European participation in this event.

CONFERENCE
Use of Satellites and Integrated Technologies for Humanitarian Purposes
19/20 September 2000 - Varese, Italy

This conference was co-organised with the EC/Joint Research Centre and co-sponsored by CNES, DLR, ESA, UNESCO and EC/JRC.

Following on from the Colloquium Eurisy organised in Moscow in December 1999 on "Space-based information for Environmental Security" the conference honed in on humanitarian concerns which are all too omnipresent at the beginning of the new millennium.

The aim was to bring together the data and system providers and the users and potential users to discuss the needs, the solutions, the gap between theoretical and real time availability of technological aids, and what could be envisaged in order to improve the situation.

Environmental issues were presented at global/long term level and also at local/anthropic/short term level; specific themes discussed were agro-environment, forests, water resources, industrial risks, transport, urban environment, and also relevant means and information systems.

CELEBRATION
10th Anniversary of Eurisy
22 July 1999 – Vienna, Austria

This event provided the opportunity to present the result of Eurisy’s past events and its future objectives; to highlight the added-value of Eurisy in the field of education, technology, and towards the general public together with the spin-offs in developing countries; common interest and synergy in Eurisy actions were stated by high-level representatives of Eurisy’s members and European institutions or industries.

(1) The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNISPACE III)

COLLOQUIUM
Space Techniques for Environmental Management in the Mediterranean
19-20 October 1998 – Athens, Greece

The colloquium, co-organised with the Hellenic Space Research and Technology Committee, was placed under the patronage of the Ministry of Development, General Secretary for Research and Technology, Prof. Emmanuel G. Fragoulis, and of Prof. Hubert Curien, President of Eurisy.

Around 110 participants from 13 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region, together with the representatives of international and regional organisations were present.

This event was aimed at regional, national and local decision-makers, current and potential users of space data, scientific, industrial and teaching/training experts in space techniques, and provided an opportunity to establish contact and exchange experience on technology and management programmes.  The colloquium’s objectives were to review actual and potential development of satellite applications in the region, to demonstrate advantages, cost benefits and resource requirements by using case studies of existing applications and pilot projects, to promote local capacities and capabilities, and to investigate how space technologies can be effectively used to protect the environment and contribute towards economic development in the Mediterranean.  On this occasion the main focus was on urbanisation, marine and coastal management, water, land use survey and desertification, education and training.

A review study of Mediterranean actions has been especially implemented under an ESA contract and was presented at the colloquium, and presentations of new programmes perspectives in the field of Earth observation, meteorology, navigation by satellite and telecommunications were presented by representatives of industry.

A Round Table discussion on co-operation issues and actions in the Mediterranean highlighted the interest and importance of common efforts to reinforce Euro-Mediterranean co-operation and increase operational initiatives.

SEVENTH INFORMATION YOUTH FORUM
From Exploration of the Solar System to Earth Observation
17/20 September 1998 – Graz, Austria

This event was placed under the patronage of the Austrian Federal Minister of Education and Cultural Affairs, Dr Elisabeth Gehrer and of Professor Hubert Curien, President of Eurisy.  It was co-organised with the support of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, the Government of Styria, the City of Graz, the University of Graz, the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and the Austrian Space Agency.

A group of sixty youngsters together with their teachers came from Austria, the very north of Finland, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia, and for the first time, Switzerland.  Represented in twelve teams they submitted fourteen projects to an international jury which awarded four prizes to the best entries.

The participants were given the opportunity to meet scientists and space experts, to get a practical insight into the importance of scientific research and the spin-offs of such research and to familiarise with the means of observation of the planets, for a better knowledge of the Earth.  The presentations emphasised the usefulness of space remote sensing techniques for environmental observation.  The programme included also a visit to Steyr-Daimler-Puch/Space Technology (Ariane facilities), to the Institute of Image Processing of Joanneum Research and to the Observatory of the Institute of Space Research of the Austrian Academy of Sciences at Lustbühel.  A highlight of this Youth Forum in Graz was a meeting with three European astronauts.

SEMINAR
Integration of Earth Observation into Secondary Education
25/27 May 1998 – Frascati, Italy

The Seminar, which was organised with the collaboration and the support of ESA/ESRIN, was the follow on of the workshop held in Andøya launch site in June 1995.

Authorities of Education in Italy and of European Space activities have acknowledged the seminar’s objectives and approved the resulting recommendations.

It was recommended that the follow-up of the Seminar should be co-ordinated within the framework of Eurisy and that educational authorities should be involved in the steering group and task force.

COLLOQUIUM
Application of Space Techniques for Hazard Management in the Mediterranean
18-19-20 September 1997 – Rabat, Morocco

This Colloquium, co-organised by Eurisy and the Moroccan Royal Centre for Remote Sensing in Rabat, from 18 to 20 September, was held un the High Patronage of His Majesty King Hassan II.  The Colloquium also obtained the support of an Honorary Committee of ten top-level European and Moroccan personalities. 

Around 170 participants from 17 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region, together with the representatives of international and regional organisations were present.  The opening session was highlighted by the presence of the Moroccan authorities.

The theme of natural and technological major hazards in the Mediterranean regions was geophysical hazards, flooding, marine pollution & coastal management, forest fires and desertification.  Two round table discussions were devoted to co-operation perspectives in the areas of “education and training” and “support policy for programmes”.  In parallel, an international exhibition comprising over a dozen stands presented the latest developments in the field of hazard management together with a poster session presenting more than twenty scientific posters.

The purpose of the Colloquium was essentially to bring together decision-makers, space data users, scientific and industrial experts in space techniques, in order to exchange their needs and their knowledge, and to promote co-operation for environmental projects and development at national and regional levels.

Recommendations were drawn up and communicated by Professor Curien to the European Commission, the European Space Agency, the Council of Europe and the national space agencies of Euro-Mediterranean countries.

COLLOQUIM
Earth Observation and the Environment: Benefits for Central and Eastern European countries
15/16 May 1997 – Academy of Science, Budapest, Hungary

Organised in collaboration with the Hungarian Space Office and the FÖMI Remote Sensing Centre, the Colloquium received the patronage of the Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture and the Hungarian Ministry for Environment and Regional Policy, and the support of the Ministry for Transport, Communication and Water Management.  Minister Károly Lotz personally inaugurated the Colloquium.  The Secretary of State, Mr Kálmán Kovács participated in the Press Conference and the Round Table Discussion.

Over 80 participants attended, principally from Hungary, but also from Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Romania, Russia and the Slovak Republic, together with participation from Western Europe, namely Austria, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom.  The participation of representatives of the European Commission, the United Nations, European and national space agencies, space data users and industrialists was appreciated.

Fruitful contacts between Eastern and Western European participants were made.  The conclusions of the Colloquium were to result in pilot projects, supported by the European Commission and the European Space Agency, but also exchanges and contracts on a bilateral (East/West and East/East) level.

COLLOQUIUM
Space and its Contribution to Ecological Safety
23/24 May 1996 – St Petersburg, Russia

This Colloquium gathered more than 180 participants: politicians, decision-makers, scientists, representatives of space agencies, experts in remote sensing by satellite, as well as industrialists from Eastern and Western Europe.

It should be underlined that this Colloquium was organised thanks to the European Commission, the European Space Agency, the Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre/University of Bergen (Norway), the Ministry for Science and Technology Policy of the Russian Federation, the Russian Space Agency, the City of St Petersburg, the St Petersburg Scientific Centre of Russian Academy of Sciences, the Nansen International Environmental and emote Sensing Centre (St Petersburg), the St Petersburg Scientific Research Center for Ecology Safety.

CONFERENCE
MARISY 95 - Space Remote Sensing for Environment and Monitoring
16, 17, 18 October 1995 – Ifrane, Morocco

This symposium was organised by the Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale, Rabat, Morocco, with Eurisy support.  The choice of location was changed from Rabat to the new University of Ifrane, near Fes.
Three hundred people from 37 counties (19 African, 10 European, 6 Middle-East, Canada and USA) took part in MARISY 95.

The Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale asked to be associated with Eurisy, in its capacity as a European association, with a view to establishing an international “MARISY prize”, which was awarded at the Symposium.

SYMPOSIUM
Space Technology for Improving Life on Earth
11, 12, 13 September 1995 – Graz, Austria

This event was organised by the Austrian Space Agency, the United Nations and the European Space Agency, with Eurisy support.

The aim was to bring together decision-makers in the field of remote sensing.  Representatives of developing countries were able to trade experience with European experts and explain their needs.  The symposium ended with the adoption of a declaration, the final version of which was released by the UN.