TIGER Framework
Space-based techniques have received considerable recognition at the 
Johannesburg
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which resulted in a number of concrete recommendations
on how space can be used for sustainable development.
To turn words into action, the European
Space Agency (ESA) has launched, within the frame of the CEOS WSSD Follow-up Programme adopted
in November 2002, a new initiative which focuses on "Use
of Space Technology for Integrated Water Resources Management in Africa", called the TIGER
Initiative.
In this context, a close cooperation has been established with UNESCO. The TIGER Initiative also
contributes to the achievements of the objectives of the UNESCO
IHP-VI "Water Interactions Systems at Risks Social Challenges" 2002-2007 Programme, which aims
at supporting African countries to better manage their water resources.
The Aquifer project is one of the TIGER development
and demonstration projects. At the same time, AQUIFER is a project within ESA's Data
User Element (DUE). This programme aims at establishing a long-term relationship between user
communities and Earth Observation by putting the users in focus while supporting European value adding
and service companies in the development and demonstration of useful information products and cost-effective
services.
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