Generic RO

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, satellite-based Earth Observations (EO) are increasingly used to estimate impact. Grading maps are produced to show damage and to support the response and early recovery process. Focusing on reponse, governments have come together in partnership to act more efficiently through mechanisms such as the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, Sentinel-Asia and the Copernicus Emergency Management Services.

After the initial response to the crisis however, much of the satellite data acquired is no longer available for distribution, and new data are not programmed for collection.
In order to facilitate access to data for recovery planning and monitoring, CEOS is working with the World Bank/GFDRR and UNDP, among others, to create generic, replicable observatories that could be established several times a year after major catastrophes.

The Haiti RO has served as an excellent example of what is possible when satellite data are collected and applied to recovery challenges. Significant hurdles remain however to broaden this experience to many events on a global basis. It was agreed that in order to move establish a longer-term, generic and replicable Recovery Observatory, the state of the art with regard to usage of Earth Observation data for recovery should be documented in a short White Paper that could be presented to an ad hoc group made up of those interested in the question.
This group was recently established by CEOS and GFDRR, and includes as a minimum UNDP and the European Commission. Other interested organizations will be invited to join, including UNOSAT and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. CEOS has agreed to produce an outline of the content of the White Paper for discussion at the first meeting of this ad hoc group (see below), and to convene together with GFDRR the first teleconference of the group in September 2018.

GRO ad hoc Development Team contact: helenedeboissezon@cnes.fr

 

 

Preface (author to be confirmed)
Introduction (recovery and need for recovery support)
I. The concept of a Recovery Observatory
II. The CEOS Hurricane Matthew Recovery Observatory in Haiti
III. Other recovery experiences
IV. Lessons learned and challenges
V. Possible concepts for a generic RO – an outline
Conclusion (next steps and process to move forward)