The Government of Canada is investing $4.3 million into helping Tunisia establish a national geomatics program. Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will work with the Tunisian government by providing technology transfer to assist in designing a national infrastructure for digital geographical data, confirmed a press release.
The project, which is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), will contribute to the sustainable management of Tunisia's resources and territory, and as support to its economic and social governance. NRCan is acting as the executing agency for the project, at CIDA's request.
DMR Conseil of Quebec was awarded the first contract worth $520,000 to fulfill one of the five components of the project - developing the framework for Tunisia's national geomatics program (GEONAT). It will result in two documents: a complete inventory of Tunisia's current geomatics capabilities, including technical, legislative and institutional components, and a strategic plan for implementing the national framework. Work began in April and should be completed by June 2003.
A second contract worth $316,514 was awarded to Universite Laval in Quebec to provide training on new technology to a group of 25 professionals from Tunisia, and to support the integration and use of geomatics within their respective organizations. The first session was held in April 2002, and the entire training program will be completed by May 2003.
NRCan is currently participating in other CIDA-funded projects, furthering its vision of using its scientific skills and knowledge to promote sustainable resource development internationally. Projects in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, China and Mozambique are expected to continue into 2004. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
