As the most ambitious Earth observation programme to date, Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) will provide accurate, timely and easily accessible information to improve the management of the environment, understand and mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure safety and security for the European citizens.

The GMES programme is led by the European Union (EU). The European Space Agency (ESA) is the overall coordinator of the GMES Space Component and the European Environmental Agency (EEA) is responsible for the GMES In-Situ Component, while the EC, acting on behalf of the European Union, is responsible for the GMES programme management and the GMES services.

Today GMES is in its initial operational phase, with many of its services already pre-operational. It is planned that GMES will enter into its operational phase in 2014.

For more information please visit: www.esa.int/gmes