The European Union has said it wants to step up international cooperation on using space technology to improve preparedness, early warning and response to natural disasters.
The European Commission held an event in Brussels to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, where a joint document was drawn up on strengthening partnerships with local, national and international institutions to reduce the cross-border impact of disasters.
Participants discussed opportunities for cooperation with partners around the world on improving early warning systems, sharing satellite data and technical expertise, and strengthening national and local response capacity.
The event highlighted observation systems for floods, forest fires and earthquakes, and tools developed under the EU’s Copernicus programme. It was noted that satellite-based services can be used at every stage of disaster management.
Speakers said collecting satellite data was not enough, and that it had to be turned into concrete information that the authorities could use in warning and response.
The document, titled the Space and Disaster Risk Management Compass, was prepared by Hadja Lahbib, the commissioner responsible for equality, preparedness and crisis management, and Andrius Kubilius, the commissioner for defence and space.
It says the EU’s capabilities in humanitarian aid, civil protection, development and space technology can make a concrete contribution before, during and after disasters. It notes that the EU Civil Protection Mechanism strengthens member states’ shared resources in crises that exceed national response capacity.
The document also proposes increasing technical cooperation with non-EU countries and regional organisations, improving disaster response capacity, upgrading forecasting and monitoring systems, and expanding the sharing of data and expertise. Good practice would be shared through training and technical visits.