Satellites in support of World Heritage   In 2003 ESA launched an Open Initiative with UNESCO to use Earth Observation to help developing nations more effectively protect World Heritage sites on their territory. The UNESCO World Heritage list include monuments or landscapes judged to be of 'exceptional universal value' in either cultural or natural terms. World heritage threatened     Yucatan peninsula and city of Campeche viewed by Envisat's MERIS.   Earth observation (EO) data acquired by satellites is increasing at an exponential rate, with many images able to be used for numerous applications. Sharing and reusing these data are beneficial for decision makers, sustainable development planners and humanitarian and emergency managers in need of quick, reliable and up-to-date user-friendly cartographic products as a basis for planning and monitoring their activities. Release date: 13 March 2006