APPLICATION AREA GEOGRAPHIC ZONE (EXAMPLE) CLIMATIC ZONE Sedimentology, hydrology, forestry,management of Coast line of Guinea-Bissau Sub-tropical regions coastal zones and aqua-culture and the archipelago of Bijagos (cultivation of shrimps)
ECONOMIC VALUE
A significant programme for coastal planning, funded by the
UICN, has been set up in Guinea-Bissau. This programme covers
projects aimed at developing forestry, tourism, fishing,
aquaculture and transport in the region. It also includes the
setting-up of ecosystem protection areas and nature reserves. The
World Bank has recently granted a loan to the Guinea-Bissau
government in order to carry out a national action plan for
environmental purposes.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
The only active delta of West Africa is located within the
coastal area and islands of Guinea-Bissau and constitutes a
natural area of high diversity and richness. This active delta
causes a rapid evolution of the coastal zone (sediment
deposition, swell effect, etc.). An area of the Bijagos
Archipelago is being classified as a biosphere reserve by
UNESCO.
POLITICAL VALUE
The decision-makers of Guinea-Bissau, and more particularly
the Ministry for Rural development and Agriculture and the
National Institute for studies and planning (INEP), would be very
interested in the use of data from ERS-SAR.
TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY
Different projects have shown the potential of using ERS-SAR
data for coastal zone monitoring. However, the potential of radar
for the gathering of detailed information still has to be
demonstrated.
RELIABLE PROCESSING METHODS
To be evaluated.
REMARKS
The advantage of carrying out this project is also based on
the long-term availability of ERS-SAR data via the Maspalomas
receiving station. This area is, however, not within the
visibility circle of the mobile Gabon station.
SP-1199