New Caledonia has officially joined the Pacific GIS and Remote Sensing Council (PGRSC).

With the addition of the South Pacific French territory, the PGRSC now boasts 340 members from 37 countries and territories, including 18 island states.

Based in Fiji, the PGRSC is non-profit organisation that has officially existed since 2018 but which has organised the region’s largest conference for more than 20 years.

By becoming a member, New Caledonia gains access to benefits such as a mutual aid network, webinars and training.

Perhaps more importantly, membership gives New Caledonia a ‘seat at the table’ when it comes decisions on PGRSC activities and priorities, along with the ability to vote at general assemblies.

New Caledonia, in turn, brings the expertise of its ‘Geomatics Club,’ an informal network of 38 public sector and private sector stakeholders from throughout the region.

Now 10 years old, the Club plays a substantial role in the region, attracting participation from, for example, Wallis and Futuna, French Polynesia and the Pacific Community.

Although the Club is not a legal entity, nor does it represent the New Caledonian government, it nonetheless is facilitated by the government.

Last week, we reported that the PGRSC had renewed its regional membership with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing.