Workshop 

Satellite-based Earth observation has emerged as a powerful global tool for monitoring surface water quantity and quality. Global satellite providers currently offer vast amounts of data open-access with unprecedented spatial and temporal coverage. Coupled with in situ data and modelling, Earth observation based monitoring is expected to boost national monitoring activities such as those tracking progress under Sustainable Development Goal 6 'Access to clean water for all', as well as stimulate economic benefits for regions where downstream industries grow by harnessing these freely available data. However, critical questions remain regarding who is currently benefiting from satellite data for water monitoring and whether it is effectively reaching countries with the greatest water issues and the biggest lack of water data. Whilst the global capability is now well advanced, individual countries need to grow capacity to ensure their own autonomy in benefiting from Earth observation to meet their own specific needs and agendas, whilst also supporting global initiatives and reporting against SDG indicators.

​

Join us to shape a future in which all can benefit from Earth observation of water. This workshop will address this critical issue by collectively exploring the challenges and opportunities to deliver a series of strategies that are specific to different global economic groups (low, lower-middle, upper-middle and high income countries) and the unique context of each group. Outputs, including a white paper and a series of policy briefs, will be authored by the participants and published through key international platforms. We will build a community to drive forward actions arising from the workshop, with key intergovernmental groups and other partners, to help harness the use of satellite-based Earth observation data for better water management and reliable up-to-date monitoring of water-related issues.

​