Earth observation for the preservation of the ecological bacalar corridor

This project was proposed as a direct result of the memorandum of understanding between the UK Space Agency and the Mexican Space Agency regarding Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes signed on May 30 2013.

The aim of the project was to develop strong commercial and academic links between UK and Mexico for the exploitation of earth observation data to address real-world problems.

A key deliverable was an initial application targeted to seek international designation of a unique and fragile region, Laguna Bacalar, as an International Relevant Wetland. The area was rated as the highest at-risk conservation area in the Caribbean ring with high vulnerability to human activities and a need for sustainable stewardship. The project aimed at designing a near-real-time application to allow such activities to be monitored and the impact analysed to support interventions by the Mexican government.