Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)

The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is a leading academic institution and comprehensive research and development center in natural and technological sciences and high-tech innovation in China.

The WorldAcademy of Sciences (TWAS)

TWAS is a global science academy based in Trieste, Italy, working to advance science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in the developing world. TWAS represents the best of science in developing countries. Its main mission is to promote scientific excellence and capacity in the South for science-based sustainable development.

Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI)

The Institute of Remote Sensing and DigitalEarth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is an institution noted for its combination of both scientific research and professional services in the areas of aerospace earth observation systems and theoretical and technological research into key issues concerning Digital Earth.

Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)

Established in 1984, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) coordinates civil space-borne observations of the Earth.  Participating agencies strive to enhance international coordination and data exchange and to optimize societal benefit. Currently, 53 members and associate members made up of space agencies, national, and international organizations participate in CEOS planning and activities.

Group on Earth Observations (GEO)

GEO is a voluntary partnership of governments and international organizations. It provides a framework within which these partners can develop new projects and coordinate their strategies and investments. As of March 2012, GEO’s Members include 88 Governments and the European Commission. In addition, 67 intergovernmental, international, and regional organizations with a mandate in Earth observation or related issues have been recognized as Participating Organizations.

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR)

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) is a decade-long research programme co-sponsored by the International Council for Science (ICSU), the International Social Science Council (ISSC), and the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR). It is a global, multi-disciplinary approach to dealing with the challenges brought by natural disasters, mitigating their impacts, and improving related policy-making mechanisms.

International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)

Digital Earth is a global initiative to construct a comprehensive virtual representation of the planet. It is a collaborative effort between Earth sciences, space sciences and information sciences to monitor and forecast natural and human phenomena. The International Society for Digital Earth is a non-political, non-governmental and not-for-profit international organization, principally for promoting academic exchange, science and technology innovation, education, and international collaboration towards Digital Earth.

United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (

UN-SPIDER aims at providing universal access to all types of space-based information and services relevant to disaster management by being a gateway to space information for disaster management support; serving as abridge to connect the disaster management and space communities; and being a facilitator of capacity-building and institutional strengthening.

International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST) under the auspic

HIST, a category-II centre under the auspices of UNESCO, is hosted by RADI. It was proposed to UNESCO by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in May 2007. The proposal was approved by the 35th General Conference of UNESCO in October 2009, and ratified by the State Council of China in April 2011. This is the first UNESCO centre applying space technologies to the monitoring and conservation of world natural and cultural heritage sites.