River Deltas of the World

Description

This session will showcase state-of-the-art space applications related to river deltas of the world while encouraging the participants to share their ideas and identify best practices. Potential gaps not covered by current services will also be identified in order to address them going forward. The session will then conclude with a discussion of opportunities and objectives for future applications of space technologies in delta environments.

Since river deltas are hotspots of trade, industry, agriculture, and urbanisation, they exhibit both a high level of biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. As dynamic areas subject to rapid development, they are also vulnerable to floods, environmental degradation, and land subsidence. Seas and waterways are the most widely used mode of goods transportation in the world. Therefore, the efficiency, safety, and optimisation of marine transportation are key issues. Satellite navigation provides for interoperability across navigational areas (e.g. ocean and coastal waterways, harbour approaches, restricted waters) and corresponding positioning (for traffic management and port operations, marine engineering, oil and gas exploitation, fisheries, and leisure, as well as search and rescue activities). Other space missions, such as those that monitor activities in coastal and delta areas, are made possible by Earth observation capabilities that provide information on the state and dynamics of river deltas or observe coastal sedimentation and land erosion. Related applications help manage and protect the environment and natural resources, detect pollution and illegal discharges, and improve monitoring water quality, supply and demand. Land planning and the monitoring of cropland dynamics are essential to ensuring the sustainable development of human activities in delta environments. In tracking environmental emergencies like floods or oil spills, the integration of these technologies is key. Accurate mapping and precision positioning are both an integral part of building stable dikes and protecting harbours.

Who should attend?

In addition to the relevant stakeholders and solution providers, scientists early in their careers are especially invited to attend and share their ideas and ambitions.