OWV at COP30

Water Management and Climate Adaptation: The Dual Challenge of Knowledge and Cooperation
Monday, 10 November – 16:00–17:30
Pavilion France
Partners: PFE, INBO, OiEau, Water and Biodiversity Committee of French Guiana, Water Office of French Guiana

This event focused on cooperation and knowledge sharing through the Bio-Plateaux project, which demonstrates that sharing water and biodiversity data is essential to build trust, strengthen knowledge, and foster political dialogue.
The One Water Vision Initiative was also highlighted for its role in bringing together diverse stakeholders to combine satellite monitoring and in-situ observations.
Speakers illustrated how satellites can support the monitoring of the entire water cycle, from altimetry, surface and volume of water bodies, irrigated areas, and vegetation cover, to surface water quality and data exploitation.
Satellite observations are instrumental in developing operational processing chains, particularly in regions with limited in-situ data. Combined with collaboration among scientists and decision-makers, these tools can be applied effectively at national, regional, and transboundary levels.

Find more information on the presentations.
And on the program.

From Ground to Orbit: Combining In-Situ and Satellite Monitoring of Water and Forest Resources for Climate Adaptation
Monday, 10 November – 18:30–20:00
Blue Zone, Room 9
Partners: PFE, INBO, COMIFAC

This side event explored how satellite data can support forest management and climate adaptation. Forests play a vital role in the water cycle, regulating infiltration, evapotranspiration, and aquifer recharge, while influencing local and regional climates.
Given the location and context of COP30, this topic was particularly relevant. By combining satellite observations with on-the-ground expertise, these collaborations support informed decision-making, improved ecosystem management, and enhanced climate resilience.
Participants shared examples of satellite applications in their countries, emphasizing the role of innovation and Earth observation in filling critical data gaps.
Examples included altimetry, evapotranspiration, surface temperature, carbon and fire detection, reforestation monitoring, biomass estimation, and radar-based forest moisture detection.

Find more information on the presentations.
And on the program.

From Ground to Orbit: Combining In-Situ and Satellite Monitoring of Water and Agriculture for Climate Adaptation
Wednesday, 12 November – 11:20–12:35
Agrizone Embrapa, Auditorium 2
Partners: INBO, WMO

This event showcased how satellite data enable climate adaptation in agriculture by providing comprehensive, near real-time monitoring of water resources.
Such data facilitate smarter irrigation, better agricultural planning, and the sharing of innovative practices.
Participants discussed how Earth observation supports operations such as guiding machinery for sowing, harvesting, and weeding, as well as monitoring soil characteristics, temperature and rainfall forecasts, river anomalies, droughts, and floods.
They also highlighted the importance of capacity building, online tools, and technical assistance to support countries in adopting these technologies.

Find more information on the presentations.
And on the program.

Conclusion
Many thanks to all participating organizations for their involvement and continued interest in satellite-based water monitoring.
COP30 marked the first international event where side-events were co-organized by the OWV Initiative, and it represents an important milestone toward promoting innovation and encouraging countries to adopt Earth observation solutions for water management and climate adaptation.