International space year 1992 : developing country perspectives

For the Third World, ISY is expected to have its greatest impact in encouraging satellite remote sensing for the purposes of economic development and natural resource management. This report presents recommendations for and attitudes about ISY from remote sensing organizations in five developing countries - Thailand, Peru, Egypt, Jordan, and Kenya. These organizations, some of which are leaders in the field, showed enthusiasm for ISY, but would participate only if practical uses of space are stressed and if they can play a truly active role in ISY programs. There was a widespread perception that the United States had abdicated its international preeminence in remote sensing, but also agreement that strong U.S. leadership in promoting remote sensing during the ISY could reestablish this status. Finally, the organizations emphasized that planning for ISY activities in the developing world must begin immediately and should include: workshops in economic development and natural resource applications of remote sensing; multi-year regional remote sensing studies; establishment of regional remote sensing societies; and publication of newsletters and directories.