Data Accessibility Organised by CTM ERS/RAC in
the Mediterranean Area
M. Viel
1 CTM ERS/RAC Objectives in the Map Framework
The Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) for the protection of the Marine
Environmental and the sustainable development of the coastal areas of the
Mediterranean is legally supported by the Barcelona Convention (1975) and its
protocols, adopted by the 20 Mediterranean Countries bordering states and the
European Union.
Since 1993, the CTM plays the role of Regional Activity Centre for Environment
Remote Sensing (ERS/RAC) of the Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP)/United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that, upon mandate of the Contracting
Parties to the Barcelona Convention, is committed to assist, and cooperate with, 20
Mediterranean bordering countries and the EC in producing, using and
disseminating environmental information derived from remotely sensed data.
Among the other, CTM ERS/RAC activities are aimed at:
increasing knowledge of environmental state and changes in the Mediterranean
by resorting to remote sensing and its integration with other sources of
information;
• raising awareness and ensure access to that knowledge for a proper management
of Mediterranean environmental issues, also taking advantage from EU projects
experienced achievements.
To this purpose, CTM ERS/RAC has launched several initiatives:
(i) the RAIS project in 1994, which was oriented towards gathering updated and
complete information about Remote Sensing Centres in the Mediterranean and
their activities;
(ii) a Review in 1998, sponsored by ESA (European Space Agency), of
Mediterranean environmental management actions using space techniques;
(iii) the setting-up of the STEPINMED database, published on the Internet in
January 1999, on programmes and sub-programmes addressed to the
Mediterranean Environment, projects in the Mediterranean using remote
sensing, positioning and telecommunications as well as organisations involved
in the different surveyed projects (http://www.ctmnet.it/stepinmed).