GEOSPATIAL AT THE SERVICE OF PACIFIC COMMUNITIES
In the Pacific, the main objective of IR DATA TERRA is to promote the use of spatial observation data applied to the knowledge of territories, through its established system, thematic regional activities ( ART) . Initially at the initiative of the Theia hub (continental surfaces), they are now extended to all associated themes: atmosphere via the Aeris hub, ocean via the Odatis hub , solid earth via the Formater hub , biodiversity via the PNDB hub and finally, the DINAMIS high-resolution satellite imaging device . The interest of ARTs is to bring together public and private structures on a territorial basis, with an interest in the collection, processing and interpretation of data for public action.
This data is all the more crucial as Pacific island states are bearing the brunt of climate change and are faced with growing needs with limited resources to respond to them. Thanks to Earth observation data, these issues can be studied, understood and analyzed. At the regional and local levels, it is therefore necessary to put in place policies for sustainable development and management of territories and resources.
On the group photo from left to right: Mareva LECHAT (DAIEP – Delegate), Emmanuel BOUNIOT (DSI – Adj. Director), Yoann RONCIN (DAF – topography cell manager), Jean MASSENET (ART GeoDEV NC), Moetai BROTHERSON ( President of the Government of French Polynesia), Laurent DURIEUX (Data Terra/IRD), Hitiura CHONG (presidential office – digital advisor) and Jean-Philippe PEALAT (DSI – Director)
In this context, representatives of IRD and ART GeoDEV had the honor and privilege of an interview with the President of the Government of French Polynesia Moetai Brotherson, accompanied by representatives of the operational services of Te Fenua . Discussions related to a particularly transversal technological field took place. DATA TERRA thus had the opportunity to present and discuss technical and scientific advances around geospatial around a consolidated roadmap. Rich and constructive exchanges around these initiatives carried out on the scale of the three overseas territories of Oceania and, more broadly, of all the Pacific islands.
Such discussions are necessary to share visions and understand mutual opportunities, thus constituting fundamental stones of a common approach. Serving the strengthening of our own capacities as well as regional collaborations. This will ultimately involve strengthening the specific capacities of Pacific territories to support their development and their actions in the face of systemic crises linked to climate change.
Very active with Pacific communities, DATA TERRA supports scientific activities and events such as the Oceania Geospatial Symposium (OGS) which took place in December 2022. We were able to present research in water resources and wetland management , and more generally maritime activities, in partnership with ART GeoDEV New Caledonia , an offshoot of the regional thematic activities of DATA TERRA. Its animation also constitutes a regional development of ART GeoDEV.
ART GeoDEV Nouvelle-Calédonie was created in May 2019 as a joint initiative of IRD Nouvelle-Calédonie and the company INSIGHT SAS (Supply and processing of imagery and development of solutions based on observation data from Earth). In 2021, the University of New Caledonia joined the regional satellite animation system. The ART aims to serve as a link between metropolitan scientific communities and New Caledonian communities in order to strengthen skills in a series of priority themes and particularly support the development and implementation of adapted methodologies in the areas identified as important by the local community: land use, forest and vegetation, erosion, climate impact, etc.
