//Sustainable Development
"Hello and welcome to the Sustainable Development page. This is a collaborative space aimed at scaling the uptake of space technology and satellite applications for sustainable development. The Catapult is uniquely placed to harness these technologies and unlock the partnerships needed to advance the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. Please take a look at our current activities below, and sign up for our new Sats4SD community of interest group and knowledge hub."
Heather Garrick, Sustainable Development Lead
Recent Activities
Latest news, blogs, events and media
//Technology companies, FCO, and conservation NGOs come together to scale technology solutions to end wildlife crime
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Why Sustainable Development?
The aim of the Satellite Applications Catapult Sustainable Development programme is to embed the power of satellite data, geospatial intelligence and ubiquitous connectivity across the full range of sustainable development activities, both in the UK and internationally, and working across all sectors, government, academia, NGOs, large businesses and commercial industries, to create innovative collaborations.
As 2020 marks the last decade of action towards reaching the UN SDGs, the use of satellite applications within sustainable development activities will become increasingly important. More and more organisations, both within and outside of the space sector, will be using the SDG framework to define their work and impact on our biosphere, society and economy. In addition, as we enter a post COVD-19 era, companies, countries and communities will be looking to ‘build back better’ using best practices that take into account the health of our people, planet and economies.
Why Satellites?
Increased access to satellite data, geospatial intelligence, and ubiquitous connectivity are creating the tools and actionable insights that decision makers can rely on to increase their growth and productivity while still safeguarding our planet’s most valuable assets – our natural resources and the infrastructure, economies and the communities that rely on them.
Satellites are enabling stakeholders from across government, NGOs and commercial sectors to monitor and measure their assets remotely, across vast landscapes leading to more efficient and sustainable operations. They provide independent evidence that can be used for transparent reporting on environmental practices and impact and allow organisations to demonstrate to their investors, customers and employees that they are delivering their sustainable development commitments.
Sustainable Development Programme
Our programme is centred around three interdependent focus areas: Corporate Sustainability, Climate & Sustainable Economies, and Technology for Conservation & Natural Capital. We are taking a user-led approach exploring how satellite imagery, connectivity and geospatial intelligence can address key current challenges through activities, such as remote asset management, monitoring business supply chains and environmental impacts and the use of natural resources and changes in land use over time. We are aiming to decrease the barriers to uptake of satellite technology, deeply embed UK space sector businesses and capabilities across the sustainable development market and increase the knowledge and capacity of end users to continue working toward sustainable development goals for the long term.
Our Focus Areas
Our activities are currently focused around these areas
Corporate Sustainability
Accelerating the uptake of UK space sector capabilities within Corporate companies across multiple industries to help them deliver on sustainability strategies, environmental commitments, and sustainable supply chains in a more efficient, measurable way to show that their business practices are in line with the agenda of the UN SDGs.
Climate and Sustainable Economies
Increasing the uptake of satellite applications to enhance climate resilience and adaptive practices. Monitoring the health of valuable carbon sinks, in the UK and internationally. Embedding satellite-enabled technology in low carbon economies and carbon offsetting efforts, such as the REDD+ programme to meet carbon net-zero targets.
Technology for Conservation & Natural Capital
Catalysing an international conservation technology marketplace for protected area management in collaboration with global conservation organisations, large technology companies, and the UK space sector. Monitoring land use to conserve biodiversity, maintain healthy natural ecosystems and safeguard natural capital underpinning local livelihoods.
Satellites for Sustainable Development (Sats4SD)
Community of Interest
Are you interested in getting more involved in our Sustainable Development programme and networking with other organisations in this space? If so, please sign up for our Sats4SD community of interest group. The Sats4SD community brings together space and non-space organisations from across all sectors both in the UK and globally to:
- Expand your professional network, unlock cross-sector partnerships, and build consortia.
- Promote activities, publications & case studies and learn what others are up to.
- Start discussion forums or seek advice from the group.
- Participate in online events and training courses.
- Stay up to date on the latest announcements, events and funding opportunities.
Satellites for Sustainable Development
Knowledge Hub (Coming Soon)
The Sats4SD Knowledge Hub will provide access to resources for governments, NGOs, academia, and businesses who would like to learn more about the capabilities of satellite technology for sustainable development.
If you would like to publish an open source resource on our knowledge hub, please submit via the button below.
// Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
// Get in touch
Click the button to get in touch with the Sustainable Development team for collaboration enquiries or for further information on our work in this area.
