In commemoration of Wetlands International Day, a webinar was organized by Le Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE), in collaboration with Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), and Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) under the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Africa program. The event brought together heads of
GMES and Africa consortium, experts, and stakeholders to highlight the critical role of wetlands in environmental conservation and sustainable development and the benefits of using products and services derived from Earth observation data to better understand wetlands in terms of health status, quantity, spatial distribution and economic value.
During the opening remarks by Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General of RCMRD, the spotlight was placed on the indispensable functions of wetlands as soil stabilizers, crucial in preventing erosion. Dr. Nkurunziza underscored the significance of monitoring vegetation and land cover changes as a pivotal strategy for assessing erosion risk. Through the utilization of Earth Observation (EO) data, he emphasized, stakeholders are empowered with valuable insights into vegetation dynamics and land surface changes, which in turn enable policymakers to implement effective erosion control measures.
The webinar served as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, with participants engaging in discussions on innovative approaches and best practices for wetland conservation and management. Presentations and case studies highlighted the diverse ecosystem services provided by wetlands, including water purification, flood regulation, and biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, the integration of EO data and geospatial technologies emerged as indispensable tools for enhancing wetland monitoring, assessment, and sustainable utilization.
Wetland management plays a crucial role in socio-economic and environmental development, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their status, quantity, and spatial distribution. However, access to high-resolution observation data remains limited for many wetland sites. To address this challenge, the African Union, in collaboration with the European Union through the GMES & Africa program, provides dedicated African institutions with free access to geo-spatial technologies from Copernicus, EUMETSAT, and others. These initiatives offer numerous benefits, including extensive geographic coverage of vast wetlands, regular availability of information for targeted areas, and retrospective analysis of wetland ecosystem evolution. By leveraging earth observation data, stakeholders can improve the estimation of the economic value of wetlands, thereby advocating for their sustainable management through informed decision-making and concerted efforts. As the global community continues to grapple with environmental challenges, the Wetlands International Day webinar served as a timely reminder of the critical importance of wetlands in preserving ecological integrity and fostering resilience in the face of climate change.
Under the GMES and Africa program, RCMRD is implementing the Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Service area. RCMRD facilitates the utilization of Earth Observation (EO) data for comprehensive wetland monitoring and assessment. By harnessing EO data, we provide valuable insights into wetland dynamics, including vegetation changes, land cover alterations, and hydrological patterns. These insights enable policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding wetland management and conservation, ensuring the preservation of these vital ecosystems for future generations monitoring and Assessment which seeks to build institutional and human capacities in accessing and utilizing EO data in assessing and monitoring Wetlands.
Author Gladys Mwangi
