Longueuil, Quebec, November 3, 2005 - The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, today announced an investment of $3.4 million for seven research and development contracts as part of Canada's contribution to water management in Africa. Canada is one of many global partners in the European Space Agency-led TIGER initiative that is integrating space-based Earth observation satellites and services for water resource management in Africa.
"Canada is proud to play a role in this international initiative. The support of sustainable development in Africa demonstrates leadership in Canadian industry, space expertise, advanced technology, and research and development," said Minister Emerson. "The Canadian Space Agency is well positioned to offer a coordinated government and industry response in support of the TIGER partners' objectives."
Each project has unique objectives that meet regional needs. Some of these are:
To reduce poverty in communities by improving access to water;
To support an ongoing project in the Nile Basin by promoting awareness of sustainable water management practices;
To offer an ecosystem approach for sound practices in water management using innovative Canadian technologies.
By addressing water resource management needs in many parts of Africa and transferring analytical tools, such as assessments and satellite maps, as well as expertise and training to the partner organizations in each region, the projects will improve the quality of life in cities and communities.
Canada is offering space infrastructure such as RADARSAT?1 imagery and expertise, and other technology capacities to the TIGER partners that are most concerned with Africa's needs in areas such as:
Water resources
Watershed management for agriculture and food security
Wetlands
Lake and coastal water monitoring
Flooding
Health issues related to water quality
"TIGER demonstrates the usefulness of space technology in support of sustainable development principles," said Marc Garneau, President of the Canadian Space Agency.
"Canadian companies can offer the know-how. The Canadian Space Agency's role is to connect this expertise with the African organizations who can make optimum use of it."
The TIGER partners will select, fund, and manage a number of projects. Interest around the world in participating in TIGER has been growing since the European Space Agency first developed its plans. Recent additions are the space and remote sensing organizations of South Africa, the Netherlands, Japan, and Morocco, with others expected to join in the near future.
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A backgrounder with details on each contract awarded today is available at http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/media/backgrounders/2005/1103.asp.
For more information on the TIGER initiative, please visit http://www.tiger.esa.int.
For more information, please contact:
Christiane Fox
Office of the Honourable David L. Emerson
Minister of Industry
Telephone: (613) 995-9001
Canadian Space Agency
Media Relations and Information Services
Telephone: (450) 926-4370
