Memories of ACRS

Manu Omakupt, Thailand, Deputy General Secretary, AARS

Congratulations to the Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS)! We will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS) in 1999. One of the most valuable things a man can do in order to keep the memories of the past is to write up a historical book. This "Memorial Book" in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of ACRS in 1999 will be a valuable asset for the future generation.

Remote Sensing Tech-nology became a powerful tool for inventory, monitoring and evaluation of natural resources in 1972 led by NASA, U.S.A. Some Asian countries joined the Remote Sensing Applications program with NASA at the earlier stage. I myself have participated in the International Symposium on Remote Sensing numerous times and I also took part in the pioneering group working on Remote Sensing Applications in Thailand.

I always realized that all nations should work together to protect and care for the Global Environment and strive towards sustainable development. The phrase that best expresses my thoughts is: "Think Globally, Talk Regionally, Act Locally". Once I realized the importance of Remote Sensing Technology in National Development, I asked my Asian friends one night at a party in Prof. Dr.Shunji Murai's hotel room during the ERIM Symposium on Remote Sensing in Costa Rica to have our own "Remote Sensing Association in Asia ". I was convinced that then we can hold our own Remote Sensing Conference in the Asian Region. From that day, with the spirit of mutual cooperation among the Asian countries, the preparations for the First Asian Conference on Remote Sensing was started. This first Asian Conference was successfully held at National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), Bangkok in November 1980.

I am quite happy to see the continuity of ACRS every year and the great cooperation among the Members of the Asian Region, as well as outside Asia. I do hope our spirit of mutual cooperation will continue forever.