GMES is the European solution to respond to the needs of citizens in Europe to access reliable information on the status of their environment.

GMES will mainly support decision-making by both institutional and private actors. Decisions could concern either new regulations to preserve our environment or urgent measures in case of a natural or man–made catastrophes (i.e. floods, forest fires, water pollution).

But to take decisions, it is necessary to anticipate, intervene and control.

GMES will integrate these functions by assembling the information acquired in a reliable, valid and compatible manner and make them available for user friendly exploitation. The services will be used by environmental agencies, local, regional and national authorities, civil protection organisations, etc.

The new observation techniques and analysis of data will permit these actors to better anticipate potential threats, to intervene timely and to increase the efficiency of the intervention.