14 Dec 2021
News
The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is pleased to welcome the lnter-lslamic Network on Space Sciences & Technology (ISNET) and the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC) as new Participating Organizations and Planet and D4DInsights as new Associates.
The lnter-lslamic Network on Space Sciences & Technology (ISNET)
ISNET is an inter-state, non-political and non-profit agency. It is an independent, autonomous and self-governing institution under the umbrella of the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). ISNET's mission is "to promote space sciences, space technology and their applications for peaceful purposes in OIC member countries". ISNET will promote outreach and partnerships related to GEO and GEOSS in its member countries and will continue to support the implementation of the GEOSS 10-year implementation plan. It will also help GEO monitor progress towards ISNET member countries' policy goals and support the transitions necessary to achieve those goals.
"ISNET stands ready to promote outreach and partnerships related to GEO in its member states. ISNET is particularly looking forward to organizing activities in collaboration with GEO and its partners to build capacity for the effective use of Earth observations to respond to societal challenges and address sustainable development issues."
-Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan Lughmani, Executive Director ISNET
World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC)
The World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), a not-for-profit trade association registered in the Netherlands, that represents companies operating across the entire value chain of the geospatial ecosystem. As the first global association representing commercial entities working in the geospatial and Earth observation ecosystems, WGIC is interested in providing perspectives and a "voice" for the private sector on selected aspects of the GEO Work Plan implementation and the GEO community at large.
“On behalf of the World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC), we are pleased to join the ranks of the other Participating Organizations in GEO. The joint report that WGIC recently prepared with GEO, and former USA Vice President Al Gore’s organization, Climate Trace, on GHG Monitoring from Space, is an outstanding example of GEO’s convening power and the importance of Public Private Partnerships that are needed to better address global policy mandates.”
-Barbara J. Ryan, Executive Director, World Geospatial Industry Council (WGIC)
Planet
Planet is a leading provider of global, near-daily satellite imagery and geospatial data, operating the world's largest fleet of Earth-imaging satellites. Planet's mission is to image the Earth every day and make global change visible, accessible and actionable. Planet currently serves more than 34,000 users, 600 customers and 200 partners in 65 countries. By leveraging the GEO network and building on its previous engagement with GEO, Planet aims to empower the most vulnerable communities, particularly small island developing states and Indigenous communities, to use its state-of-the-art remote sensing data and products to transparently monitor climate change and plan adaptation actions.
"Earth observation has become an essential tool for addressing interlinked planetary challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss. We at Planet are committed to using space to help life on Earth, and helping governments, companies and communities make more effective decisions. We are proud to become a GEO Associate and support the important work of the broader GEO community."
-Andrew Zolli, Chief Impact Officer, Planet
D4DInsights
D4DInsights is a catalyst for data and technology solutions focused on international development and sustainability. We work to enable data ecosystems, including Earth observation data, through multi-stakeholder approaches to ensure that data is accessible, useful and supports policy, decision-making and action.
"The mission for D4DInsights is to build demand-driven approaches for how data and technology is delivered to support sustainable development. Earth observations are critical in this regard, which is why we’ve been working with GEO for years including bringing Digital Earth Africa and Digital Earth Pacific into the GEO work programme. We’re thrilled to now be a GEO Associate and look forward to further collaboration."
-Aditya Agrawal, Founder, D4DInsights
