Environment and Natural Resources Management Space Technology Applications Section

2. In pursuance of the recommendation of the Ministerial Conference and the regional strategy and action plan, the Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing, GIS and Satellite-based Positioning is hereby constituted as a regional cooperative network under RESAP of ESCAP. The Regional Working Group began effective 16 June 1995 with the present terms of reference.

3. The Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing, GIS and Satellite-Based Positioning shall have the major objective of developing a self-sustaining mechanism for promoting regional cooperation on remote sensing, GlS applications and satellite-based positioning for sustainable development. The Regional Working Group shall also provide a forum for promoting technology transfer and exchange of information and experience among participating countries through sharing of information, conducting cooperative projects and participating in training programmes. The Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing, GIS and Satellite-based Positioning shall have, among others, the following functions:

(a) Review the status of remote sensing and GIS technology and applications in the region, to promote remote sensing and GIS applications for natural resources and environment management and sustainable development;

(b) Exchange information on national policies, programmes and planning in remote sensing, GIS and satellite-based positioning system development among member countries;

(c) Formulate and implement collaborative remote sensing, GIS technology, and satellite-based positioning and application projects relevant to natural resources management, environment and sustainable development in the region, as well as arrange TCDC activities;

(d) Promote development, standardization and utilization of a database and a data network on natural resources and environmental information at the national and regional levels;

(e) Recommend mechanisms for promoting and sustaining regional cooperation in the operation of remote sensing satellite ground receiving stations and satellite data distribution;

(f) Identify and implement specific programmes for human resources development in remote sensing, GIS and satellite positioning;

(g) Recommend mechanisms to sustain a regional cooperation network in remote sensing, GIS and satellite-based positioning.

4. All members and associate members of ESCAP shall be eligible to be members of the Regional Working Group.

5. Directors/heads of national agencies for remote sensing, GIS and satellite-based positioning, or their designated representatives shall be nominated as the national contact points of the Regional Working Group and shall participate in its annual meetings.

6. The National Contact Points of the Regional Working Group shall act with general coordination of the National Focal Point of RESAP.

7. The Regional Working Group shall meet at least once in a year or as considered appropriate to discuss common problems and to develop cooperative programmes. The agenda may include:

(a) Exchange of information;

(b) Review of activities and programmes of work;

(c ) Formulation of collaborative projects;

(d) Proposing a funding mechanism and soliciting funds for implementing projects;

(e) Endorsing an annual work plan and monitor its implementation.

8. The Regional Working Group shall decide on a coordination office located in a national remote sensing agency/centre situated in the ESCAP region and appoint a coordinator, who will be the nodal point for information flow to and from the Regional Working Group. The term for hosting the coordination office will be two years. It may be extended for one more term only if so decided by the Regional Working Group.

9. United Nations bodies and specialized agencies, representatives of such other countries or organizations (NGOs, research institutions, universities) as the Regional Working Group may deem appropriate, and experts ill the field of interest may be invited to participate in the meetings in a consultative capacity.

10. The ESCAP secretariat, through its Space Technology Application Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Management Division, shall:

(a) Assist the coordinator in soliciting the nomination of members from participating countries;

(b) Assist the Regional Working Group in organizing meetings, seminars and training;

(c ) Cooperate with the coordinator of the Regional Working Group and provide assistance in follow up and realization of its recommendation;

(d) Assist in project formulation, fund-raising and implementation;

(e) Facilitate information exchange through newsletters and reports;

(f) Provide professional advice and inputs;

(g) Provide a clearing house for information flow and interaction between members and the coordinator of the Regional Working Group.

11. Regional members or associate members that possess centres of excellence in the field of remote sensing, GIS and satellite-based positioning, may offer to host the coordination office of the Regional Working Group. The host country, as the nodal point of the Regional Working Group, shall:

(a) Host the coordination office of the Regional Working Group by providing necessary office facilities and operational support;

(b) Facilitate the coordinator in discharging his/her coordinating functions;

(c ) Interface with ESCAP for technical support and programme implementation, as well as information exchange matters;

(d) Initiate such activities as the exchange of personnel, training, consultancy and technical visits as requested by members of the Regional Working Group, utilizing TCDC and other mechanisms available at the ESCAP secretariat;

(e) Provide coordination in association with ESCAP for conducting regional seminars/conferences and cooperative projects;

(f) Facilitate appropriate coordination with ESCAP (after the initial exchange of letters agreeing to host the Regional Working Group) on correspondence related to the definition of substantive activities, budget estimation for external funding for programme support of these activities, and the exchange of letters for TCDC and other activities.

12. The Regional Working Group shall report on its work to the Committee on Environnent and Sustainable Development, through ICC on RESAP, as indicated in the schematic in the annex. The coordinator of the Regional Working Group shall attend and present the report of the Regional Working Group at the annual session of the ICC.

13. Any member of the Regional Working Group may propose an amendment to the terms of reference, and the same shall enter into force, if approved by a consensus of the members in attendance.