FAO-Google event: The use of satellite imagery and new tech in natural resource management

By Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

MEDIA ADVISORY

FAO-Google event: The use of satellite imagery and new tech in natural resource management

Remote forest surveys, pest monitoring among areas where the two organizations are pushing the envelope

Digital technology tapping into satellite imagery is revolutionizing the way countries can assess, monitor and manage their natural resources - including tracking deforestation and desertification.

These new approaches will be on display at a joint FAO-Google Earth event at FAO's Rome headquarters on Friday, 15 April (10:00-11:30h CET).

Friday's event will feature a series of presentations by Google Earth on "global impact projects" it is undertaking in various countries as well as by FAO experts on the use of FAO-developed, Google-powered tools for monitoring forest health and tracking outbreaks of agricultural pests like desert locusts.

FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva will deliver a welcome address at the start of the half-day event, followed by a presentation by Rebecca Moore, Director of Google Earth, Earth Engine & Earth Outreach. (full agenda - link).

The meeting is open to interested media and can be followed remotely via live webcast.

RESOURCES FOR THE MEDIA

Event agenda

Background: FAO-Google collaboration

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ACCREDITATION:

Advance-accreditation 24 hours prior to the event is required. Send scans of a valid press card or letter of assignment on company stationery, plus a valid identification document with photo, to: [email protected]. You must have these materials with you on the day of the event in order to access FAO.

What: FAO-Google Earth event on “Strengthening the role of technology in sustainable development”

Who: FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva

Rebecca Moore, Director, Google Earth, Earth Engine & Earth Outreach

Rene Castro, FAO Assistant Director General, Forestry

Experts from FAO and Google

Where: FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy (Metro stop Circo Massimo) — Sheik Zayed Centre

When: 15 April 2016, 10:00-11:30 CET