Earth Sciences Strategy

Institutional capacities strengthened in fundamental and applied geosciences

Performance indicators:

• IGCP governance mechanism reformed emphasizing interdisciplinary cooperation, in particular with other ISPs such as IHP, IOC and MAB;
• Specialized education in environmental protection, mineral and groundwater management and geohazard mitigation strengthened
• Public understanding of evolution of the earth system enhanced, including geoparks networking:
• Public awareness of the need for environmentally sound development of planet Earth raised during the Year of Planet Earth (2008)

Access of developing countries to the benefi ts of space technologies improved and requisite capacities reinforced

Performance indicators:

• UNESCO-Space Agencies Open Framework Agreement on use of satellite and remote sensing technologies in the monitoring of UNESCO-designated sites expanded:
• Partnerships developed with satellite-based and ground-based initiatives, i.e. Geological Applications of Remote Sensing Programme (GARS), Integrated Global Observing Strategy Partnership (IGOS), Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), and North-South, South-South and triangular partnerships:
• Support to space-related studies at primary and secondary levels through the Space Education Programme and public outreach events during the International Year of Astronomy (2009)