2nd United Nations/ Argentina International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management

Organized in cooperation with European Space Agency and Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water

Hosted by Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE)

Buenos Aires, Argentina, 14 - 18 March 2011

Tentative programme

Tentative programme as of 10 March 2011

  • That is a tentative programme as of 10 March 2011, and online version will be updated periodically. Since there are still a few unconfirmed speakers, the programme may be modified by the time of the Conference. A final programme will be distributed during registration for the meeting.
  • For those who, due to time limits, are not scheduled for oral presentation, we have arranged a poster session. Therefore, please bring a hard copy of your presentation with you (maximum 10 pages of A4 format) for posting it on board outside the meeting room, and be ready to answer questions from the viewers at real time.
  • Please review the attached programme carefully to verify date, time and title of your presentation. If there is any discrepancy, please inform us <sergei.chernikov(at)unoosa.org> as soon as possible.

Information on venue, logistics, etc.

Additional information for participants: English version, Spanish version

Information for participants who are funded by the co-organizers of the Conference (accommodation and meeting at airport)

General Information Note

Please review carefully the information note to get the latest information on the venue of the workshop, transportation, accommodation, etc.

Online application

Please use below links for online application for the Conference. We strongly encourage all candidates to apply for the Conference online, as it helps us to streamline the processing of applications as well as helps applicants to save their time.

  • Please use this link if you wish to be considered by co-organizers for full or partial funding support for attending the Conference.
  • Please use this link if you have your own funding or your institution provides you with funding for attending the Conference, and you do not need a financial support from co-organizers.

Other resources available online:

Information

The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (OOSA), the Government of Argentina, European Space Agency (ESA) and the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) are jointly co-organizing the above Conference to promote the use of space technology for benefits of the developing countries.

The Conference will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from 14 to 18 March 2011, and it will be hosted by Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE) on behalf of the Government of Argentina.

The Conference is the second international event focusing on water-related issues in the series of meetings organised in co-operation with, and with financial assistance of, the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) and European Space Agency (ESA). The first UN/UNESCO/Saudi Arabia International Conference on the Use of Space Technology for Water Management took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2008

Background and objectives

Space technologies, including satellite remote sensing technology in particular, have demonstrated proven capabilities in meeting challenges of water resource management, as rapid population growth and development pressures continue to impose additional stresses on scarce resources. Continuous Earth observations from space are crucial to manage water resources for the benefit of mankind and the environment, as well as to provide important forecasting services to prevent water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.

Remote sensing satellites provide data on several key water-related variables (for example, rainfall, precipitations, water storage, soil moisture and evaporation) using spatial and temporal scales that are appropriate for reliable assessment. A satellite-based approach to assessment and management of water resources is especially important in countries and regions of the world where adequate hydrological networks do not exist.

Earth observation from space, complimented with other applications, is a cost-effective method for effective management of resources and providing essential data to decision- makers. Once converted into practical information, these data on water resources provided by satellites could be used to formulate policy and implement programmes at the national, regional and international levels, including those of the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme and other entities of the United Nations system.

The Conference will address these issues, and will discuss how space technology can contribute in better management of water resources, including combating desertification, ensuring access to safe drinking water and managing water-related emergencies in developing countries, with the following primary objectives:

  • To enhance capabilities of countries in the use of space-related technologies, applications, services and information for identifying and managing water resources;
  • To strengthen international and regional cooperation in this area;
  • To increase awareness among decision-makers and research and academic community of space technology applications for addressing water-related issues, primarily in developing countries;
  • To promote educational and public awareness initiatives in the area of water resources management, as well as to contribute into capacity building process in this area.

Programme

The Conference will be composed of a series of technical presentations with sufficient time set aside for discussions. Technical sessions will be followed by open discussions, which will focus on specific topics of interest and will provide additional opportunities for participants to voice their opinions.

The programme of the Conference may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Applications of space technologies that provide cost-effective solutions and essential information for planning and implementation of programmes or projects to enhance management, protection and restoration of water resources.
  • Use of space-related technologies in mitigating water-related emergencies, providing safe drinking water and combating desertification.
  • Use of space technologies for water waste management, water recycling and water salinity detection.
  • Capacity building in water management, including development of human resources, establishing technical infrastructures and legal frameworks, and access to financial resources.
  • Education and training required for various target groups on using space technologies for addressing water-related challenges, as well as public awareness initiatives in this area.
  • International, regional and national initiatives and international and inter-regional cooperation.
  • Case studies on successful applications of space technologies for enhancing water resources management in developing countries.

The Conference discussions will consider ways of expanding the use of space technologies and information/data for better water resources management, as well as will identify the priority areas where pilot projects could be launched and will examine possible partnerships that could be established.

The Conference will also feature the special "Water Prize Day" session which will be organized by PSIPW as an exclusive event within the framework of the Conference, and with participation of Prize winners and top level government officials from Argentina.

Participants of the Conference are encouraged to make presentations on the topics suggested above, as well as to participate actively in all discussions.

Participation

The Conference is being planned for a total of 100 - 150 decision-makers, technical experts, researchers and educators drawn from the following groups: international, regional, national and local institutions, academic institutions, multi-lateral and bi-lateral development agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and also from private industry. Experts and professionals from both space-related and water management institutions will be invited, providing an opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen networks and partnerships that will contribute to the increased use of space technology-based solutions for water resources management.

Participation requirements

Applicants must have a university degree and well-established professional working experience in a field related to the theme of the Conference. Applicants should be in managerial, decision-making, technical or academic positions within governmental agencies, international, regional and national institutions, universities, NGOs or private industry with responsibilities for carrying out programmes or projects in the areas related to the theme of the Conference.

Applicants who demonstrate that the Conference is central to his/her professional activities/responsibilities will be selected on a priority basis.

Equally qualified female applicants are particularly encouraged.

The co-sponsors of the Conference will jointly select participants on a competitive basis. Selected funded participants will be notified by 15 January 2011.

Dates and location

The Conference will be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the facilities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, from 14 to 18 March 2011 .

All selected and invited participants will receive an information package with details on boarding, lodging and other local arrangements.

Language of the Conference and presentation by participants

The working language of the Conference will be English. Interpretation to/from Spanish will be provided by local co-organizers.

Selected participants who are funded by the cosponsors of the Conference will be required to prepare a presentation of approximately 10 to 20 minutes on topics relevant to the Conference objectives and the programme. Presentations on actual on-going projects will be of particular interest to organizers of the Conference. It is expected that selected participants will submit their full papers/presentations to organizers by the end of January 2011.

The best papers presented at the Conference will be published at the special section of the Water Portal run by PSIPW.

Financial support

Within the limited financial resources available, a number of selected participants will be offered financial support to attend the Conference. This financial support will defray the cost of travel (a round trip air ticket - most economic fare - between the airport of international departure in their home country and Buenos Aires, Argentina) and/or room and board expenses for the duration of the Conference.

Due to limited availability of financial support, not all participants can be funded. In this respect, applicants and their nominating organizations are strongly encouraged to find additional sources of sponsorship to allow them to attend the Conference.

Funded participants will receive detailed information upon notification of their selection.

Deadline for submission of applications

All applicants are encouraged to use the online application forms to apply for participation in the Conference (use the links below).

In a case of application through traditional - "hard copy" - forms, the completed application form, properly endorsed by applicant's government/ institution, should be mailed to:

Office for Outer Space Affairs
United Nations Office at Vienna
Vienna International Centre
P.O. BOX 500
A‑1400 Vienna, AUSTRIA
Fax: (+43‑1) 26060‑5830
E-mail: unpsa@unvienna.org

to reach the Office no later than 6 January 2011 . The applicant may also submit the original of his/her application through the Office of the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the applicant's respective country.

In either cases, an advance copy of the application form should be e-mailed or faxed directly to the Office for Outer Space Affairs .

Applications received later then the deadline will be considered, but applicants will not be eligible for financial support.

Life and health insurance

Life/major health insurance for each of the selected participants is necessary and is the responsibility of the candidate or his/her institution or government. The co-sponsors will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidental events.

Points of contact

UN-OOSA :

Mr. Sergei Chernikov
United Nations Programme on Space Applications
Office for Outer Space Affairs
United Nations Office at Vienna
Phone: +43 1 26060 4948
Fax: +43 1 26060 5830
E-mail: sergei.chernikov@unoosa.org
 

CONAE :

Ms. Ana Medico
Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE)
Av.Paseo Colon 751, C1063ACH
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Fax: +54 11 4331 3446
E-mail: amedico@conae.gov.ar

PSIPW :

Mr. Ali-Wafa Abu-Risheh
PSIPW
Phone : +966 50 343 9478
E-mails: aliwafa@gmail.com, aliwafa@ksu.edu.sa
http://www.psipw.org
   

Online application

  • Please use this link if you wish to be considered by co-organizers for full or partial funding support for attending the Conference.
  • Please use this link if you have your own funding or your institution provides you with funding for attending the Conference, and you do not need a financial support from co-organizers.
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