Experts in environmental and societal information networking will discuss solutions to greater data accessibility and push for strengthening existing data access initiatives and launch new ones at an upcoming environmental summit in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE will host the first Eye on Earth Abu Dhabi 2011 Summit from December 12 to 15, in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

“In the Gulf region, with its unique arid and desert environment, the importance of sharing data and information is more important than ever if we are to tackle the policy challenges facing us today such as  water scarcity, food security, climate change and conservation of natural resources among others,” said Dr. Asma Ali Abahussain of the Arabian Gulf University and a member of the Eye on Earth Summit Working Groups, who were convened to identify and frame the most challenging environmental data and information issues to be covered during the Summit.

“Eye on Earth will help bring regional initiatives closer together to provide greater access to environmental and societal data for enhanced decision making process,” she added.

Cathrine Armour, programme manager, AGEDI and programme director, Eye on Earth, said: “Recognising the efforts of all around the regional working towards greater access to environmental and societal  data and information is an important part of what the Eye on Earth Abu Dhabi 2011 Summit is designed to achieve. It also aims to help all of us to take the next critical steps forward.”

A goal of the Summit is the environmental and societal data community’s adoption of the Eye on Earth Summit Declaration – a document that will provide input to the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) to be held in June 2012.

An Eye on Earth exhibition will showcase the latest developments in environmental information and technology. – TradeArabia News Service