The effort to combat global warming is the main topic of the climate convention and the global climate conference. Marshlands, otherwise generally known as wetlands, play a very important role in the carbon cycle and subsequent global warming of the earth. The development of satellite-based methods for the monitoring and protection of wetlands is a priority issue at Jena Optronik. Wetlands are the most important but also the most fragile ecosystems on earth. They supply our drinking water, protection from droughts and floods, provide many of our food sources and are the natural habitats of countless plants and animals. Of particular importance in this context is the protection of moor and peat areas, a form of wetland covering approximately 3% of the earth while also storing 30% of the carbon dioxide.
Through ‘SWOS’ (Satellite-based Wetland Observation Service), a project within the current research program of the European Commission (Horizon 2020), the Jena space company contributes substantially to research and development and the standardization of procedures for monitoring wetlands with the help of satellite data. The solutions resulting from this are currently being put to use by global, local or national organizations and were presented in Marrakesh.
“In Marrakesh, we presented our SWOS Project as well as our service components and capacity to the climate protection community. This will include a discussion with prospective future users on new areas of application for our satellite-based monitoring methods for ecosystems. Additionally we would like to understand the climate protection organizations need for remote satellite exploration more precisely, in order to satisfy the needs of our users even more”, Kathrin Weise, the SWOS project leader at Jena-Optronik GmbH explained.
The SWOS project team consists of research facilities, user organizations and industrial partners. This unique symbiosis of competence areas enables the latest scientific findings to be combined with user requirements, whilst at the same time ensuring the technical implementation.
“We are able to effect change with the help of satellite data and the methods we have developed. They contribute to the protection of our planet,” Kathrin Weise stated. “For our work, results and personal commitment, we receive support, recognition and gratitude from organizations and people who dedicate themselves to the protection of the earth at both a global and local level. That is a tremendous source of motivation!”