Canadian Space Industry Contributes to Water Management in Africa(Forwarded)

Canadian Space Agency

November 3, 2005

Canadian Space Industry Contributes to Water Management in Africa

Longueuil, Quebec -- The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry
and Minister responsible for the Canadian Space Agency, today announced an
investment of $3.4 million [USD 2.9 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
a

* 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.../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