Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security (GMES)

Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security (GMES) is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Space Agency, designed to establish a European capacity for the provision and use of operational information for Global Monitoring of Environment and Security.

The GMES overall aim is to support Europe's goals regarding sustainable development and global governance, in support of environmental and security policies, by facilitating and fostering the timely provision of quality data, information, and knowledge.

Two main objectives are addressed:

• the implementation of Sustainable Development
• the need to integrate the environmental dimension in European policies which requires a much higher level of coordination between policy areas, of dialogue with stakeholders, and much more public participation than ever before. Information on environmental issues and on the effects of policy measures constitutes an indispensable platform for policymaking, dialog and participation.

It will define and implement systems that use advanced information sources and systems to place useful information in the hands of citizens and European Institutions. Respond is one of 12 ESA services.

GMES Mission Statement

The ‘Global Monitoring for Environment and Security’ (GMES) represents a concerted effort to bring data and information providers together with users, so they can better understand each other and make environmental and security-related information available to the people who need it through enhanced or new services.

It is a direct response to the gowing concerns amongst policy makers to ensure access to information on the environment at global, regional and local scales without sacrificing independence in the relevant policy areas.

GMES was created in the response to the need by Europe for geo-spatial information services. It provides autonomous and independent access to information for policy-makers, particularly in relation to environment and security.

For more information on EC GMES Activities click here

www.esa.int

The European Space Agency (ESA) develops the European space programme and ensures that it is carried through. ESA's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe.

The Agency's projects are designed to find out more about the Earth, its immediate space environment, the solar system and the Universe, as well as to develop satellite-based technologies and services, and to promote European industries. ESA also works closely with space organisations outside Europe to share the benefits of space.