Remote Sensing, GIS and Satellite-based Positioning
[ RSGIS]
Terms of Reference
I. INTRODUCTION
- The Ministerial Conference on Space Applications for
Development in Asia and the Pacific held at Beijing from
19 to 24 September 1994 after detailed deliberations on
various issues relating to promoting and enhancing the
use of space technology applications, launched a Regional
Space Applications Programme on Sustainable Development
(RESAP) through the Beijing Declaration, the adoption
of a Strategy for Regional Cooperation in Space Applications
for Sustainable Development, and an Action Plan on Space
Applications for Sustainable Development in Asia and the
Pacific. The Ministerial Conference recommended constitution
of regional working groups to promote regional cooperation
in different themes of space technology applications for
sustainable development in the region.
- In pursuance of the recommendation of the Ministerial
Conference and the regional strategy and action plan,
the Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing, GIS and
Satellite-based Positioning is hereby constituted as a
regional cooperative network under RESAP of ESCAP. The
Regional Working Group began effective 16 June 1995 with
the present terms of reference.
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II. OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS
- The Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing, GIS and
Satellite-Based Positioning shall have the major objective
of developing a self-sustaining mechanism for promoting
regional cooperation on remote sensing, GlS applications
and satellite-based positioning for sustainable development.
The Regional Working Group shall also provide a forum
for promoting technology transfer and exchange of information
and experience among participating countries through sharing
of information, conducting cooperative projects and participating
in training programmes. The Regional Working Group on
Remote Sensing, GIS and Satellite-based Positioning shall
have, among others, the following functions:
(a) Review the status of remote sensing and GIS technology
and applications in the region, to promote remote sensing
and GIS applications for natural resources and environment
management and sustainable development;
(b) Exchange information on national policies, programmes
and planning in remote sensing, GIS and satellite-based
positioning system development among member countries;
(c) Formulate and implement collaborative remote sensing,
GIS technology, and satellite-based positioning and
application projects relevant to natural resources
management, environment and sustainable development
in the region, as well as arrange TCDC activities;
(d) Promote development, standardization and utilization
of a database and a data network on natural resources
and environmental information at the national and regional
levels;
(e) Recommend mechanisms for promoting and sustaining
regional cooperation in the operation of remote sensing
satellite ground receiving stations and satellite data
distribution;
(f) Identify and implement specific programmes for
human resources development in remote sensing, GIS and
satellite positioning;
(g) Recommend mechanisms to sustain a regional cooperation
network in remote sensing, GIS and satellite-based positioning.
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III. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONAL MECHANISM
- All members and associate members of ESCAP shall be
eligible to be members of the Regional Working Group.
- Directors/heads of national agencies for remote sensing,
GIS and satellite-based positioning, or their designated
representatives shall be nominated as the national contact
points of the Regional Working Group and shall participate
in its annual meetings.
- The National Contact Points of the Regional Working
Group shall act with general coordination of the National
Focal Point of RESAP.
- The Regional Working Group shall meet at least once
in a year or as considered appropriate to discuss common
problems and to develop cooperative programmes. The agenda
may include:
(a) Exchange of information;
(b) Review of activities and programmes of work;
(c ) Formulation of collaborative projects;
(d) Proposing a funding mechanism and soliciting funds
for implementing projects;
(e) Endorsing an annual work plan and monitor
its implementation.
- The Regional Working Group shall decide on a coordination
office located in a national remote sensing agency/centre
situated in the ESCAP region and appoint a coordinator,
who will be the nodal point for information flow to and
from the Regional Working Group. The term for hosting
the coordination office will be two years. It may be extended
for one more term only if so decided by the Regional Working
Group.
- United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, representatives
of such other countries or organizations (NGOs, research
institutions, universities) as the Regional Working Group
may deem appropriate, and experts ill the field
of interest may be invited to participate in the meetings
in a consultative capacity.
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IV. ROLES OF ESCAP AND HOST COUNTRY
- The ESCAP secretariat, through its Space Technology
Application Section of the Information, Communication and Space Technology Division, shall:
(a) Assist the coordinator in soliciting the nomination
of members from participating countries;
(b) Assist the Regional Working Group in organizing meetings,
seminars and training;
(c ) Cooperate with the coordinator of the Regional Working
Group and provide assistance in follow up and realization
of its recommendation;
(d) Assist in project formulation, fund-raising and implementation;
(e) Facilitate information exchange through newsletters
and reports;
(f) Provide professional advice and inputs;
(g) Provide a clearing house for information flow and
interaction between members and the coordinator of the
Regional Working Group.
- Regional members or associate members that possess
centres of excellence in the field of remote sensing,
GIS and satellite-based positioning, may offer to host
the coordination office of the Regional Working Group.
The host country, as the nodal point of the Regional Working
Group, shall:
(a) Host the coordination office of the Regional Working
Group by providing necessary office facilities and operational
support;
(b) Facilitate the coordinator in discharging his/her
coordinating functions;
(c) Interface with ESCAP for technical support and programme
implementation, as well as information exchange matters;
(d) Initiate such activities as the exchange of personnel,
training, consultancy and technical visits as requested
by members of the Regional Working Group, utilizing TCDC
and other mechanisms available at the ESCAP secretariat;
(e) Provide coordination in association with ESCAP for
conducting regional seminars/conferences and cooperative
projects;
(f) Facilitate appropriate coordination with ESCAP (after
the initial exchange of letters agreeing to host the Regional
Working Group) on correspondence related to the definition
of substantive activities, budget estimation for external
funding for programme support of these activities, and
the exchange of letters for TCDC and other activities.
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V. RELATION WITH INTERGOVERNMENTAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
ON REGIONAL SPACE APPLICATIONS PROGRAMME (ICC ON RESAP)
- The Regional Working Group shall report on its work
to the Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development,
through ICC on RESAP, as indicated in the schematic in
the annex. The coordinator of the Regional Working Group
shall attend and present the report of the Regional Working
Group at the annual session of the ICC.
VI. GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Any member of the Regional Working Group may propose
an amendment to the terms of reference, and the same shall
enter into force, if approved by a consensus of the members
in attendance.
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