Report of the APRSAF/SAFE Executive Board Meeting at APRSAF-31 in Cebu, Philippines

The APRSAF/SAFE Executive Board Meeting was held on November 17, 2025. It was co-chaired by Dr. John Mathew (Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)) and Dr. Shinichi Sobue (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)). The main topic of meeting was to discuss progress and future plan of the SAFE projects.
Following the opening remarks by the co-chairs and the welcome address delivered by Dr. Jace Refran of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), participants confirmed the good progress of the two ongoing SAFE projects (Rice Crop Monitoring led by GISTDA and CH4Rice led by VNSC). For the Rice Crop Monitoring project, it was reported that useful capacity building activities how to use satellite data for MoAs in ASEAN Countries and other organizations were progressed in collaboration with ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) and Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) funded project. For the CH4Rice project, progress of each study area for the collection of field survey data including water-level and CH4 fluxes and preliminary results of satellite data analysis were reported. In addition to reports of on-going projects, concepts of possible future new projects were shared with participants. We continue to coordinate and discuss the topics of the initial concept around the Land Degradation and Neutralisation activity (proposed by TASA) and Monitoring Water Quality (proposed by CSIRO) as new SAFE projects.

Result of the APRSAF/SAFE Executive Board Meeting

1. Rice Monitoring Project

Summary
• The project's progress was presented with multilateral cooperation between agencies between ISRO, VNSC, JAXA
• Confirmed capacity building on rice mapping for MoA officers using a data analysis platform, in collaboration with AFSIS and MAFF/Japan.
• Confirmed the demonstration of the utilization of SAFE rice mapping software by private company for agribusiness.
• New project AFSIS-GIS (FY2025-2027) to collect and analyze food security info using satellite / GIS tools including satellite-based rice map, published via AFSIS website.
• JAIF (Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund) project "Improvement of Paddy Rice Area Statistics and Damage Assessment using EO for ASEAN" inception workshop / training in January; next workshop/training in May 2026 (Thailand).

Discussion and Future Plan
• Continue promoting data sharing (e.g., ALOS-2 data via ISRO's VEDAS and Google Earth Engine) for diverse users, including scientific, governmental, and business communities.
• Consider integrating multi-SAR data sources (e.g., ALOS-2/4 [L], NISAR [S/L], LOTUSat-1 [X]) to enhance mapping capabilities. NISAR calibration phase is nearing completion.
• Maintain dialogue with end-users, including government statistical departments, to encourage the use of SAFE project outputs.
• Promote the application of satellite-derived rice maps and area statistics in ASEAN countries, leveraging synergies from the JAIF project and AFSIS's new initiative, "AFSIS-GIS."
• Organize and deliver the second training session and the final workshop as part of the JAIF project, in collaboration with AFSIS.
• Discussions with AFSIS on the next training can start this week at APRSAF.
• Confirm the handling of East Timor in JAIF project with the ASEAN Secretary.

2. CH4Rice Project

Summary
• Presented the progress of each study area for the collection of field survey data including water-level and CH4 fluxes in cooperation with related organizations and private companies.
• Held a collaboration meeting with AO-GEO TG5 and shared CH4Rice's activities.
• Confirmed the preparation of papers for submission to the Remote Sensing Special Issue, with inputs provided by late January or early February.
• Project activities from BRIN, GISTDA, JAXA, NTU/Singapore, PhilSA, PUST, UTokyo, and VNSC were reported. Many projects have prepared papers for the Remote Sensing (MDPI) special edition.

Discussion and Future Plan
• Continued to compare in-situ water-level with ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 Full-pol data as well as coming ALOS-4 PALSAR-3 full-pol data.
• Look at the utility of NISAR S-band data, ISRO can consider proposing the CH4Rice super sites for additional S-band observations from NISAR.
• Preparing to submit papers to the Remote Sensing (MDPI, ISSN 2072-4292). The due date for the papers extended until Spring.
• A meeting (mainly in-parson) will be held to mutually understand and accelerate the studies after submitting papers in Feb/Mar including a meeting with related organizations and private companies to accelerate discussion to propose satellite usage to guideline documents.
• In addition to coordination with stakeholders, the comparative utility of the various SAR bands (X, C, S, L), and also the polarisations (not full-polarization to increase observation frequency) will be a key topic for future meetings next year.

3. New Project Initial Concept Sharing

Summary
• Land Degradation and Neutralisation (LDN, TASA) is a global challenge, with significant environmental impact reducing food security, water availability, and ecosystem services with significant economic and social consequences.
• Currently no LDN assessment tool suitable for Asia-Pacific region. Optical satellite data could contribute, making use of ML and SAR data to mitigate cloud cover.
• Monitoring Water Quality (CSIRO) discussing the use of EO and in situ sensors for water quality monitoring (inland fresh, and coastal). Suggesting AquaWatch Regional Alliance focused on aquaculture.
• An important first step is to understand the information needs of potential end users, e.g. water management agencies, aquaculture industry, government agencies.

Discussion and Future Plan
• Continue to coordinate and discuss on the topic of the initial concept around the Land Degradation and Neutralisation activity (TASA) and Monitoring Water Quality (CSIRO) as New SAFE project.

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