Press Release

OPEC Fund extends US$100,000 to help produce Satellite Image Atlas for Yemen

25/2005 March 15, 2005, Vienna, Austria

The OPEC Fund for International Development today approved a grant of US$100,000 to help finance the production of a Satellite Image Atlas for the Republic of Yemen. The Atlas is being sponsored by the Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Board of the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources of Yemen in conjunction with GEOSPACE Austria.

Satellite imaging is an essential tool for planning the sustainable development of any country, as it provides detailed information on land use, natural resources, urban and rural development and economic activity. Satellite data can thus assist policy makers in many important areas, notably environment and land and infrastructure development.

The Atlas is the first of its kind to be developed for Yemen and will cover the country’s main characteristics, including major cities and other selected sites. It will also feature case studies on climate, vegetation, soils, agriculture, natural resources, geology and geomorphology. The 334-page book will be delivered with a CD-ROM, which will include an image mosaic of Yemen in full resolution.