Committed to Safeguarding the vital resources of our environment
The world on which we live provides a fascinating palette of vital resources and services. How can people use these resources in a responsible way? ITC, as a knowledge partner, supports society in answering this question, through scientific research and collaboration with data providers and users of geoinformation.
Resource security is the linchpin of sustainable, reliable, and equitable access to essential natural resources. It aims to minimize the negative impacts of resource use while safeguarding supply for future generations. This delicate balance of availability, efficiency, resilience, and equity is crucial to prevent shortages, conflicts, and ecosystem degradation. In our modern era, we possess unprecedented knowledge about our planet and advanced technology to access the resources we need. However, responsible and sustainable resource management is imperative. Satellites equipped with sensors provide daily images of the Earth's status, encompassing the atmosphere, ecosystems, vegetation, freshwater, land and subsurface, oceans, and ice sheets. By analyzing these data, alongside with air- and UAV-borne data and ground-collected information, we can uncover the causes, effects, and interactions among resources, society, and our living environment. These insights are invaluable for making informed decisions about managing natural resources such as water, critical raw materials, food, and other services provided by the biosphere. The environment, in all its complexity, demands our careful stewardship to ensure a sustainable future.
Our approach to resource security at ITC
At ITC, we leverage our expertise in remote sensing and geo-information for a sustainable use of resources. As an independent knowledge partner, we tackle scientific questions about the relationships among food, water, critical raw materials, energy, and biodiversity, and provide technological solutions to advance resource monitoring and management. We develop an understanding of the complete value chain: Where are resources located, how are they extracted or harvested and sustainably transported to users to optimize logistics and reduce losses. Through our international network, we strengthen society’s capacity to achieve sustainable resource use, regionally and globally.
Making real impact
At ITC, it is our mission to create real-world impact, primarily in the global south. We enhance resource security through innovative research and solutions and are committed to Sustainable Development Goals such as SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 15. Our projects help monitor trends, track changes, and sustain diverse ecosystems and productive agriculture. Below are some projects we are proud of. You can also check our Major Project Database for more resource security projects at ITC.
Meet some of our experts
Are you interested in collaborating with ITC on resource security? Whether you’re looking to study, partner on a research project, access local expertise, join a course, or simply brainstorm ideas, we’re here to connect with you. Feel free to reach out—your ideas and questions are always welcome! Please contact Christiaan van der Tol or any other expert we have at ITC on resource security.
