QUEZON CITY, Philippines – November 17, 2025 – In a significant move to bolster environmental monitoring and sustainable development across Southeast Asia, space agencies from the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia are joining forces with the European Union (EU) and the European Space Agency (ESA) through a new cooperative initiative named SCOPE DIGITAL.
The program was officially launched today at the 31st Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) in Cebu, Philippines, marking a major step in cross-continental Earth observation (EO) collaboration.
Building on a Foundation of Success
SCOPE DIGITAL is designed to strengthen the use of Copernicus Earth observation data—the EU’s flagship satellite monitoring program—throughout Southeast Asia. It builds directly on the success of the “CopPhil” collaboration in the Philippines, which culminated in the establishment of Southeast Asia’s first Earth observation data centre in 2024.
The initiative also supports the broader objectives of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which aims to build sustainable and trusted connections with partner countries worldwide.
A Three-Year Mission for Regional Capacity
Over the next three years, SCOPE DIGITAL will leverage European and Southeast Asian expertise in space data, digital platforms, and capacity building. The program’s core activities will include:
- Supporting joint pilot projects and demonstrations.
- Conducting extensive training activities.
- Developing digital infrastructures to promote data-driven policymaking.
The primary goal is to develop EO-based solutions for critical regional challenges, including disaster resilience, natural resource management, and sustainable development. The first phase of implementation will focus on Indonesia and Thailand, with the Philippines providing technical support as the host of the regional Copernicus data hub.
A Coalition of Expertise
The initiative is implemented by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with a consortium of key regional agencies:
- The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA): As the regional anchor partner, PhilSA will provide technical leadership, data infrastructure, and operational best practices derived from its national Copernicus experience. The agency will also facilitate knowledge exchange and coordinate capacity-building efforts among ASEAN partners.
- The Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST): Contributing to the country’s scientific and technological direction.
- Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN): Leading scientific and technological innovation for Indonesia.
- Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA): Advancing space technology and infrastructure development.
A Future Forged by Data
By uniting leading space and research institutions, SCOPE DIGITAL aims to create a more interconnected and data-literate Southeast Asia. The collaboration promises to transform vast amounts of satellite data into actionable insights, empowering governments and communities to better prepare for natural disasters, manage precious environmental resources, and chart a course toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
The launch event at APRSAF-31 has brought together space agencies, government representatives, and development partners to further explore how Earth observation and digital innovation can drive progress across the region.
For more information on the partners, please visit their official websites:
- European Union: https://european-union.europa.eu/
- Global Gateway: https://commission.europa.eu/topics/international-partnerships/global-gateway_en
- Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA): https://philsa.gov.ph/
- Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST): https://www.dost.gov.ph
- European Space Agency (ESA): https://www.esa.int/
- Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN): https://www.brin.go.id/en
- Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA): https://www.gistda.or.th/home.php?lang=EN#
