Brussels, 04/02/2005 (Agence Europe) - As part of “Earth & Space Week” organised by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Space Agency in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), delegations from nearly 60 countries, political decision-makers, astronauts and European experts will meet in Brussels from 12 to 20 February. The Commission expects the event to provide insights on future earth observation capacities and how this could help to improve international space coordination, especially with a view to including developing countries in spatial activities. “The aim of this event is to raise awareness among the public and among national political decision-makers that it is possible to improve the quality of life on earth by using space-related high technologies”- this is the message sent out by officials from the European Commission's Directorate General Research at a press conference announcing the “Earth & Space Week”. Better coordination of observation systems could help to save human lives and preserve natural resources on earth, a Commission press release states. “The tsunami which hit countries of southern Asia in December is a tragic illustration of this. We must boost our potential to anticipate and plan using spatial activities to try to respond to this kind of problem”, said the press release.
“Earth & Space Week” will be based around events: (1) the third Summit on observation of the earth, on 16 February. The Commission, 58 countries and 30 international organisations are currently working on a complete coordinated and sustainable system to observe the earth and share scientific data. Those attending the summit will try to lay the foundations of a system of world earth observation systems, by approving a plan to implement such a system; (2) a ministerial conference on space entitled “Winning through Cooperation” on 17 and 18 February. This conference, which is to provide a platform to enable current and emerging space players to share the advantages of space cooperation, will also bring together employees of various space agencies throughout the world, representatives of the space sector and delegates from government agencies. The European Commissioner for Industry and Enterprise, Günter Verheugen, will present his vision of the European space programme; (3) an exhibition on the earth and space to raise public awareness of the idea that “space is for everyone”, from 11 to 20 February. The exhibition will be opened by Prince Philippe of Belgium, who will be accompanied b Mr Verheugen and Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA.
(For further information: http: //europa.eu.int/space/esw).