Our mission
Our Mission is to accelerate impact by fully capitalising on the power of satellite Earth Observation (EO) in international development assistance operations.
Knowledge Hub
Advancing and Building EO knowledge and Capacity (ABC). Extensive and interactive repository of European Earth Observation service capabilities.
MOOC on Satellite Earth Observation for IDA
The Space for International Development Assistance Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), created for the GDA, examines EO’s role in global development with expert insights.
Unveiling the unseen: Opening a window into the wider impact of Space for IDA
This short film captures Indonesia's 2018 disaster recovery with the help of external agencies and Earth Observation technology.
ESA GDA Impact Newsroom- Episode 10: June 2025
Episode 10. Welcome to the Impact Newsroom from the GDA programme, powered by the European Space Agency
ESA GDA Impact Newsroom- Episode 9: April 2025
Episode 9 Newsroom video dive into powerful stories where Earth Observation (EO) is not just data, it’s action, resilience and real-world change.
The ESA GDA programme is poised to expand their suite of tools offered to partner institutions and the development community with the launch of two new cross-cutting tools: the ABC … Read more
ESA’s Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme was recently featured at IFAD’s Innovation Day, with the “Water for Peace” initiative showcased in IFAD’s innovation marketplace. The project, implemented by IFAD in … Read more
Building on the recent launch of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Global Development Assistance Forest Management (GDA Forest) activity, the consortium has published a new brochure that outlines the opportunities … Read more
Timor-Leste, an independent nation in the Indonesian archipelago, faces significant climate-related risks. The country’s agricultural sector is particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including erratic seasonal rainfall, tropical storms, and … Read more
The desert locust poses a severe threat to agriculture in East Africa, with the potential to decimate croplands through swarms numbering in the millions. The infestation between 2019 and 2022 … Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) officially launched its Global Development Assistance (GDA) Climate Adaptation and Finance (CA&F) thematic activity on 3 April 2025. This marks the twelfth and final thematic … Read more
Afghanistan’s water resources face increasing pressures from growing demand, climate change, and limited in situ data availability. Through the European Space Agency’s Global Development Assistance (ESA GDA) Fast Co-Financing Facility, … Read more
The ESA GDA Transport & Infrastructure (GDA T&I) activity is supporting the “Brazil Proactive, Safe, and Resilient Road Asset Management Program, a World Bank-led initiative. This collaboration aims to address … Read more
Building in the lessons learned from the EO4SD Forest Management project, the ESA GDA Forest Management activity will support International Financial Institutions (IFIs) such as the World Bank and the … Read more
This blog is a repost of a publication by our partner, the World Bank. This data story is the second part of a series on new satellite-based data about deforestation … Read more
In 2022, Belize’s exports of banana, citrus, and sugarcane collectively contributed 4.6% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sugarcane production is concentrated in the Orange Walk district in the … Read more
This blog is part of a four-part series designed to summarise the breakout group discussions from the Industry Engagement Co-Location Day for ESA’s Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme. The series … Read more
This blog is part of a four-part series designed to summarise the breakout group discussions from the Industry Engagement Co-Location Day for ESA’sGlobal Development Assistance (GDA) programme. The series explores … Read more
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Global Development Assistance programme’s (GDA) thematic activity on Marine Environment & Blue Economy has reached its conclusion, marking the successful end of a transformative initiative … Read more
Irrigation districts form the backbone of Mexico’s agricultural sector, producing one-third of the nation’s essential food supply. Yet, as urban sprawl encroaches on agricultural zones, tensions over water resources are … Read more
The use of Earth Observation (EO) technologies in forest management offers unique opportunities to address global challenges such as deforestation and climate change. Drawing on lessons learned from the ESA … Read more
Energy access is a fundamental driver of sustainable development, enabling economic growth, healthcare improvements, and education. Without reliable energy, progress stalls, leaving many development goals unattainable. This is starkly illustrated … Read more
The ESA GDA AID Urban Sustainability team is working hand in hand with the World Bank’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Urban and Resilience team1 to provide spatial evidence … Read more
As Bangladesh ramps up its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement, innovative collaborations are shaping the country’s clean energy landscape. The partnership between the European … Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) Climate Resilience Consortium has partnered with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Improved Coastal Management and Coastal Protection team to support Georgia’s … Read more
The GDA Transport & Infrastructure (GDA T&I) activity is supporting the World Bank’s Trade & Competitiveness Global Practice team in gathering actionable insights on Cambodia’s infrastructure and transportation systems. Overcoming … Read more
In early October, Fabio Cian, the ESA representative to the World Bank, had the privilege of attending the Second EU-Caribbean Global Gateway Conference on Sargassum in Grenada, eastern Caribbean, as … Read more
ESA recently hosted the URBIS conference at ESRIN, focusing on “Urban Insights from Space”. The event brought together experts and stakeholders to explore how Earth Observation (EO) data can enhance … Read more
ESA’s GDA is the Global Development Assistance programme, implemented in partnership with International Financial Institutions, to mainstream Earth Observation (EO) technology in global development operations by responding directly to their … Read more
The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activity of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme has completed the mid-term evaluation, carried out by Caribou Space under the GDA … Read more
A recent study, drawing on Earth Observation (EO) Data, from European Space Agency’s (ESA) Earth Observation for Sustainable Development (EO4SD) initiative, the predecessor of the Global Development Assistance programme, sheds … Read more
The GDA AID Urban Sustainability activity is supporting the “Integrated Urban Data Platform – Application for Urban Centres in Kenya” project. This initiative, led by the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) … Read more
Story Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries related to climate change, as it is prone to experience various extreme events such as flooding, cyclones, and droughts. The Global … Read more
Like its predecessor, the EO for Sustainable Development (EO4SD) initiative, the ESA Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme was launched to support International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and their Client State (CS) … Read more
Niger, a Sub-Saharan African country, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. The country’s geography and socio-economic conditions make it susceptible to various climate-related … Read more
Balochistan represents a province of Pakistan located in the southwestern region of the country. It is the largest province by area, yet it is the least populated, with minimal infrastructure … Read more
The Blue Economy, which encompasses industries reliant on coastal and marine resources, plays a crucial role in the global economy, contributing over US$2.5 trillion annually. In addition to this substantial … Read more
In the Indian Ocean, there is a low-lying atoll island nation comprising approximately 1.200 islands, with 187 of them being currently inhabited. Given the limited land resources and high population … Read more
The Climate Resilience team of the European Space Agency (ESA)’s Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme has collaborated with the World Bank on their ‘Next Generation MRV for Land Use Emissions … Read more
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme underscored the pivotal role of Earth Observation (EO) data in Public Health by launching an Invitation to Tender (ITT) focused … Read more
In an age dominated by data, the fusion of big data technologies and Earth observation (EO) products has ushered in a new era of insights and understanding. One innovative example … Read more
Following the recent launch of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Global Development Assistance Transport & Infrastructure (GDA T&I), the consortium released a comprehensive brochure providing detailed insights into the various … Read more
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest freshwater lake by area and delivers valuable ecosystem services to local communities including domestic use, industrial and agricultural water provision, waste disposal, and hydropower generation. … Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) Agile Earth Observation (EO) Information Development (AID) Climate Resilience Consortium collaborated with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations … Read more
Working with the World Bank, GMV as part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) Agile EO Information Development (AID) Agriculture Consortium is implementing an Earth Observation … Read more
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme has launched a new Agile Information Development (AID) activity focusing on transport and infrastructure, a new thematic area, unexplored even … Read more
The small coastal city of Palu, on the island of Sulawesi, sits at the end of a glorious bay, nestled at the interface of ocean and land. But in 2018, … Read more
Monitoring and continuously assessing seawater pollution play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of marine environments, ensuring the preservation of seafood quality, and promoting the long-term sustainability of the … Read more
Ecosystems are intricate environments that face increasing pressures, primarily driven by human interference and climate change, with their impact being the most notable factor contributing to performance degradation. The success … Read more
Botswana, a landlocked country in southern Africa, is renowned for its vast mineral deposits and arid landscapes. However, this aridity comes at a cost: water scarcity. The country faces a … Read more
On 15 December 2023, the Global Development Assistance (GDA) industry ecosystem came together at the European Space Agency Centre for Earth Observation (ESA — ESRIN) in Frascati, Italy, for a … Read more
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) schemes encourage investors to consider wider contextual factors when making asset allocation decisions and conducting risk assessment. Traditionally applied to corporations managing their operations or … Read more
Working with the World Bank, GMV as part of the European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) Agile EO Information Development (AID) Climate Resilience Consortium has designed a system … Read more
Earth observation (EO) data has been used to map flooding and precipitation trends in South Sudan, a country prone to flood risk and hydrological variability. In a strategic partnership with … Read more
Space for International Development Assistance (Space for IDA) – is a cooperation framework implemented in collaboration with key multilateral IFIs . In the initial phase, the European Space Agency is … Read more
The Space for International Development Assistance (Space for IDA) is a cooperation framework between ESA and its partner International Financial Institutions (IFIs), which are initially the World Bank (WB), and … Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) Agile Earth Observation (EO) Information Development (AID) Climate Resilience Consortium has created a novel geospatial portal that employs earth observation data … Read more
International investors are developing financial products that can contribute to sustainable development and climate protection, such as reducing deforestation. While deforestation rates initially declined after peaking in 2004, recent evidence … Read more
The Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme was created in 2019 by ESA member states to fuel and boost cooperation with International Financial Institutions (IFIs). GDA aims at mainstreaming Earth Observation … Read more
When it comes to tackling the uncertainties of our changing climate, information on water, weather, and climate is vital. Making informed decisions to enhance resilience across sectors like food production, … Read more
The European Space Agency’s GDA AID Urban Sustainability has been supporting the World Bank (WB) Second Rwanda Urban Development Project (RUDPII). The consortium is using Earth Observation (EO) to develop … Read more
2023 marks a significant milestone and is the opportunity to celebrate the 15th year anniversary of the fruitful collaboration between the World Bank and the European Space Agency (ESA). Over … Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) recently formalised their partnership with United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the signature of a Letter of Intent. The official announcement took … Read more
The desert locust is one of the most destructive pests in the world. A small swarm can contain 80 million locusts and cause widespread damage to crops and vegetation. Between … Read more
GDA AID Urban Sustainability has been supporting the World Bank (WB) “Nigeria West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) Multi-Sector Resilience Plan” project in Warri City, Nigeria. By tapping into the expertise … Read more
GDA AID Urban Sustainability has been supporting the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) “Integrated and Innovative Solutions for More Liveable Cities” project in Sargodha, Pakistan. This and an upcoming investment project … Read more
Satellite Earth Observation (EO) data is transforming the development landscape and has received growing recognition in its use for Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) purposes. The European Space Agency (ESA) Global … Read more
Understanding the current usage of satellite Earth Observation (EO) information in the activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) The European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme is … Read more
Satellite Earth Observation (EO) data are enhancing the renewable energy landscape, offering valuable insights to overcome critical knowledge gaps. The European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme recognises … Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme is a global partnership to mainstream the use of satellite Earth Observation (EO) into development operations. This GDA Status Review … Read more
The GDA AID Urban Sustainability activity has been supporting the project “Updating the Revised Strategic Transport Plan for Dhaka, Bangladesh”. This project, led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has … Read more
The GDA AID Climate Resilience consortium has completed the first prototype of an information product that estimates aboveground biomass in Mozambique forests to support the calculation and monitoring of greenhouse … Read more
Following the devastating floods which occurred in Pakistan starting from June 2022, several European specialised Earth Observation providers took part in disaster assessment efforts to assist the Asian Development Bank … Read more
The impacts of satellite Earth Observation (EO) for sustainable development are well documented, but the wider benefit of EO to developing countries is less understood. To address this gap, the … Read more
Satellite Earth Observation (EO) supports International Financial Institutions (IFIs), such as the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and African Development Bank (AfDB), with their urban sustainability programmes. International … Read more
IFAD organised a webinar as part of their “Food4Thought Series“, dedicated to Leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), on 7 September 2022. Clement Albergel, Climate Applications … Read more
“How can Space support developing countries in a sustainable way?” – here is one of the main questions that, Iñigo Alonso Etxebarria, former Impact Analyst Intern at the European Space … Read more
Reposted from World Bank Blogs (Initially published on May 24, 2022) Over the last decade, the European Space Agency (ESA) has been supporting the use and integration of satellite-based environmental information for … Read more
Data, has become an integral part of our daily lives. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2021: Data for Better Lives – highlights that innovations resulting from the creative new … Read more
ESA’s Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme is a global partnership to mainstream the use of Earth observation (EO) into development operations, in cooperation with World Bank and Asian Development Bank. … Read more