Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > International Division
International Activities International Strategic Framework
The goal of the Earth Sciences Sector's (ESS) international strategic
framework is twofold: First, to foster global prosperity through sustainable
development projects that use Canada's knowledge and experience in the application
of earth sciences. Second, to promote Canada's earth science expertise
while encouraging innovation and knowledge sharing through international
scientific collaborations.
Who benefits from the development of this framework?
- Canadian companies gain new business opportunities in the earth sciences
related to geomatics and geoscience
- Developing countries leverage Canadian earth sciences technology and expertise
for sustainable development
- Developed countries increase their earth sciences knowledge and expertise
- Canada's reputation as a world leader in geomatics and geoscience
is enhanced
The Earth Sciences Sector's approach to working with other countries
is based on the desire to:
- Facilitate institutional and business development for Canada and its partner
countries through the exchange of best practices, expert information and
technology
- Help Canadian firms develop new markets through sustainable development
projects in countries with developing or emerging economies
- Promote sustainable development principles internationally to ensure environmental
sustainability
- Raise awareness at home and abroad about Canada's contribution to
sustainable development through earth sciences
- Increase Canada's scientific, technological and operational knowledge,
experience, leadership and influence
The Earth Sciences Sector in action:
Northeastern Brazil Groundwater Project |
A Canadian presence in drought-stricken northeastern Brazil is helping to
ease the widespread hardship of the people and the economy of the region. Earth
Sciences Sector scientists, working in close collaboration with Canadian industry,
have introduced new techniques to identify potential underground sources of
potable water based on airborne geophysics and remote sensing, and they are
developing new techniques to pump, treat and distribute water over large areas
using solar energy. Canadians are also involved in an elaborate social program
that provides education on water conservation, protection of groundwater sources,
waste disposal and sound agricultural practices.
Key partners: federal, state and municipal levels of government
of Brazil, universities and the Earth Sciences Sector. The Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) contributed $1.6 million to this $8.5 million project.
For more information: PROASNE
GÉONAT: Tunisia's Geomatics Program |
ESS is contributing to sustainable development in Tunisia by helping to establish
a national infrastructure for digital geographical data. Since 2002, representatives
of ten Tunisian government departments have been working with ESS and DMR Conseil
Inc. to develop the GÉONAT framework. After conducting a complete inventory
of Tunisia's current geomatics capabilities, including technical, legislative
and institutional components, a plan for implementing the national framework
will be developed. In 2002-2003 Université Laval delivered geomatics
courses to 26 managers from various Tunisian government departments that use
geospatial information.
Key Partners: Ten Tunisian government departments, the Earth
Sciences Sector, Canadian companies and academia, as well as CIDA, which has
provided $4.3 million in funding for this project.
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