The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has signed the Space for Climate Observatory (SCO) Charter making it the National Focal Point (NFP) of the Philippines in the French-led climate resilience initiative.  Established in 2019, the SCO  is an international network of space agencies and international organizations coordinating efforts on the use of space data and technologies for climate change monitoring, mitigation, and adaptation. The SCO supports the emergence of operational applications to promote climate resilience. As NFP, PhilSA will lead and oversee the implementation of SCO activities in the Philippines.

PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. signed the charter on 28 November 2022 at the headquarters of the French space agency Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES) in Toulouse, France. The entities that have signed the Charter will serve as “Signatories” who will contribute to the activities of the Charter.  PhilSA is working on establishing the SCO Philippines, a national implementation that would engage public and private entities operating in the field of climate action. 

“Our membership to the SCO is an opportunity for the Philippines to work with international space agencies, climate resilience organizations, and the private sector, in data and information sharing to make the best use of space data to bring operational tools for climate action. This global collaboration creates value by enhancing the capacities of members and vulnerable communities to monitor and effectively address climate change and its impacts. We encourage national government agencies and non-profit organizations in the Philippines to participate in this worldwide initiative through PhilSA,” Dr. Marciano said. 

Director General Marciano signs the SCO Charter at the CNES headquarters with SCO Project Head, Dr. Bretar.

PhilSA’s participation in the SCO supports PhilSA’s Key Development Area on Hazard Management and Climate Studies advancing space science and technology applications.