TEHRAN – Satellite images and acquisition of various satellite data makes many solutions available to reduce or even prevent environmental issues, while requires a timely utilization, head of Aerospace Research Institute (ARI), affiliated to the Ministry of Science, has said.

The most important aspect of using satellite data is environmental protection, which can improve the ecological conditions of the country day by day.
Satellite data can be used toward protecting the environment and improving the country’s ecological conditions, which is of great importance, IRNA quoted Fathollah Ommi as saying on Tuesday.

In this regard, three years ago, the Department of Environment (DOE) and ARI signed a memorandum of understanding to improve the country's environmental protection, so that free satellite images are used to provide information on prevention of environmental incidents in the country, he explained.

He went on to highlight that one of the most powerful tools for predicting flood, wildfire as well as reducing its damages is using satellite imagery and data analysis, which can help managing the land resources and facilities properly.

Satellite remote sensing techniques has been proven effective in better tracking hurricanes, floods, tsunamis and earthquakes on the planet, predicting natural disasters and minimizing its destructive effects around the globe, he further noted.

He also said that providing free satellite data and analyzing them based on the related organizations’ needs is available in the ARI, adding, to contain environmental issues, we gather the required information and provide them to the responsible bodies, which must take action toward improvements.

Regarding the restoration of Lake Urmia, satellite images played a significant role in identifying the parts requiring water right and led to the measures increasing the lake’s water level, he stated.

The relevant officials and the DOE must use these data to improve the country's ecological condition, he said, adding that the condition of three vital elements of the country including water, soil and air is assessed on the basis of satellite data and then decisions are made to manage the resources. 

He further explained that the data once have demonstrated that rice is cultivated consuming large amounts of water in some provinces of the country, despite severe water scarcity, adding, the officials decided to ban rice cultivation in drought ridden provinces such as Fars.

Through satellite imagery, excessive water consumption has been prevented, Ommi also added.

Pointing out that despite the existence of satellite data, there are still environmental problems the country is facing, he noted that gathering the required data is on ARI while the main task goes on the responsible bodies which must prepare plans and solutions.

On the other hand, the DOE may face barriers to implement the plans based on these data including lack of facilities and equipment, he lamented.

Additionally, the data is provided to Forests, Range and Watershed Management Organization, which has so far been able to prevent many of the major wildfires, he also highlighted.
Referring to the data as an efficient way to solve many environmental problems in the country, he concluded that officials must learn to use new technologies and employ them toward environmental achievements.

FB/MQ