Earth observation from space assisting in the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage sites an example in Central Africa

摘要

UNESCO has recently initiated an international partnership with the Space Agencies.rnSuch an important partnership is a call to all international space agencies to supportrnUNESCO through the use of space technologies to assist developing countries in thernmonitoring of World Heritage sites.rnThis paper presents an example of the use of remote sensing to assist environmentalrnconservation activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda andrnRwanda.rnNo cartography is currently available for the World Heritage sites in these countries. Thernsites host the remaining 'mountain gorilla', therefore space technologies to derivernaccurate cartography as well as a detailed land cover change assessment (1990-2003)rnis fundamental to ensure the conservation of the gorilla habitat.rnOther examples on the use of remote sensing for the preservation of our cultural andrnnatural heritage are also described.