National thematic reports on Earth Observation capacities in the Balkan region

Balkan countries do not have a coherent and continuous approach towards the challenge of implementing integrated Earth Observation (EO) applications in environmental monitoring and management. Most of the Balkan countries, except Greece, are not full ESA members. Additionally, Albania, Serbia, Bulgaria, FYROM, Montenegro and Bosnia Herzegovina are also not members of the Group on Earth Observation (GEO). The OBSERVE Research Programme, funded under the theme "ENV.2010.4.1.4-1, Identification and Networking of EO activities in the Balkan area" and with a full title "Strengthening and Development of Earth Observation Activities for the Environment in the Balkan Area," has as its main objectives to collect and compile all the necessary information for delivering an integrated analysis on the current status of EO activities and networks in the Balkans regarding environmental monitoring, and to determine the potential benefit from the full exploitation of an integrated capacity development strategy and the prospect of creating a relevant permanent EO Community in the broader region. One of the most important activities to accomplish the above mentioned objectives is the collection and compilation of the National Thematic Reports concerning EO capacities delivered by the separate Balkan participants in the Project.