How a BRICS satellite data platform will enhance the bloc's integration — and what it means for regional projects in Russia?

BRICS nations, at the 4th working group meeting on geospatial technologies, welcomed Iran's proposal to create a common satellite data exchange platform, which was supported by China, Russia, and Brazil. The initiative is expected to be formalized into a joint strategic plan shortly, as reported by Iran.ru.

Who supported the creation of the BRICS satellite data platform and what is the launch plan?

China, Russia, and Brazil have voiced their support. The next step is the development and approval of a joint strategic plan for launching the platform for satellite data and services exchange. According to Emran Amini, an expert from the Iranian Space Agency, the system will allow countries to upload their own data and utilize each other's services, as conveyed by Iran.ru.

Brazil, China, Russia, India, Indonesia, Ethiopia, UAE, and South Africa participated in the meeting. Following two days of discussions, they agreed to prepare a multilateral cooperation document, which will serve as the foundation for joint work on spatial data in the coming year, as indicated by the meeting materials. Earlier, on Sept. 16–17, 2024, in Moscow, working group participants approved the proposal to create a BRICS Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), marking a transition to systematic work, as clarified by the publication.

Maps and spatial data are crucial tools for the sustainable development of communities. They provide the necessary information for informed decision-making, effective planning, and economic growth.

These points by Ali Javidaneh were paraphrased with reference to ISNA, as relayed by Iran.ru.

What practical benefits does a common geodata platform offer to BRICS businesses and regions?

The primary benefit is access to complementary data and services for applied tasks in the real sector. Potential use cases identified by the organizers include fire monitoring, determination of arable land areas, crisis management, and facilitating exports and imports, as noted by an expert from the Iranian Space Agency.

Priority areas of application: - Agrarian monitoring and campaign planning based on objective data; - Rapid response to fires and other emergencies; - Inventory and logistics in cross-border trade.

How do regional initiatives in Russia align with the BRICS agenda?

Kaliningrad Oblast is preparing the international conference "Baltic Partnership" with a budget of 2.1 million rubles for 2025. The goal is to develop cooperation with regions of Belarus and BRICS countries, according to a procurement announcement, as written by New Kaliningrad.Ru.

Kazan is observing a growing demand from foreign guests, particularly from BRICS countries. Over eight months, the city received 3.3 million tourists (a 6% year-on-year increase), with over 30,000 being foreigners. The influx from BRICS countries increased by 60% compared to last year, according to data from the city's Tourism and Service Committee and Ostrovok, as reported by kazanonline24.ru.

Infrastructure development is supported: Kazan plans to open two hotels with 4 and 5 stars near the "Millennium" bridge by the end of the year, adding 401 rooms. Their opening was previously linked to a BRICS summit, as informed by the director of the city's Tourism Development Committee to "Tatar-Inform".

What tactical steps should businesses and regions plan now?

• Synchronize pilot projects with the announced geodata platform use cases: agri-season 2025, forest fire and emergency monitoring, services for foreign trade.
• Prepare teams and processes for working with cross-country datasets: metadata standards, security, and operational regulations.
• For the tourism industry: align marketing with the "window of interest" for guests from BRICS countries (regions with documented growth), and for hoteliers: plan occupancy based on new transport and business events within the BRICS agenda.
• For regional development agencies: utilize platforms like "Baltic Partnership" to build substantive cooperation (logistics, agriculture, emergency services) where geodata delivers rapid, measurable results.