Policy Support
© Earth Observatory - NASA
The Sundarbans, Bangladesh/India
Securing access to accurate data is a key component of the protection of both natural and cultural heritage; this allows for the timely detection of emerging threats to make the necessary decisions and implement mitigation measures. In this regard, space technologies, and remote sensing in particular, provide important tools for World Heritage site managers. Satellite images provide valuable information on the evolution of the heritage sites, including loss of wildlife habitat, the expansion of human settlements and agricultural activities or the damage caused by natural disasters or climate change.
Through its network of space partners, UNESCO derives results from space technologies, results that are then provided to decision makers in order to support their associated heritage management policy.
Cartography from satellite data
UNESCO is bringing the benefits of space technologies to developing countries through its unique network of space agencies, research institutions and the private sector. These work together to protect, monitor, document, present and share the wonders of our common heritage, our cultural and natural World Heritage sites.
The main objective of these Space for Heritage projects is to derive, from space technologies, sound scientific data to support World Heritage site managers and national policy makers in their efforts to design sound conservation and development policies. In order to make the best use of increasingly accessible space technologies, some Member States need to build their capacity. Assisting them is another of these projects’ objectives.
