The two Eastern Africa consortium, under the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Africa program, the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), held a regional workshop in Antananarivo, Madagascar, in partnership with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and the Ministère de l'Environnement et du Development Durable (MEDD) from July 17th to 19th, 2024. The workshop aimed to raise awareness about GMES and Africa Phase II, create a platform for knowledge exchange, identify opportunities for GMES Africa land degradation, coastal erosion, coastal flooding, and shoreline monitoring for decision-making and policy formulation in Eastern African countries, including Indian Ocean Islands in Eastern African countries, and equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to access and utilize EO data.
High-level attendees of the event included Mr. Rasamoelina, General Secretary, the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, who underscored the need for Africa to integrate advanced technologies into environmental management strategies, stressing the value of international collaboration. In agreement. Dr. Saley Bachir from the African Union Commission, and GMES & Africa Continental program coordinator, highlighted Earth Observation's significance for Madagascar, recognizing recent capacity-building efforts and the essential role of collaboration, networking, and joint initiatives in reducing service implementation costs.
Following the opening remarks, RCMRD Director General, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, emphasized the importance of Earth observation capabilities for Madagascar and invited the country to join the RCMRD.
Discussions during the plenary sessions focused on improving access to EO data, emphasizing the need for a standardized geographical data infrastructure and a shared platform. The importance of harmonizing geographic information and promoting cross-border data sharing was highlighted, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and climate change adaptation across the region.
The workshop showcased the GMES and Africa consortium's commitment to advancing satellite technologies for better environmental management, policy influence, and sustainable development. Key services under RCMRD include land degradation monitoring, wetlands monitoring, and open geographical regional vector database for Agro ecological zoning. ICPAC services include natural habitat monitoring, rangeland seasonal monitoring, early warning, and tropical forest monitoring and surveillance.
One success case highlighted by DRSRS elaborated the role earth observation plays in environmental monitoring and decision-making. Through the GMES & Africa Programme, RCMRD has supported the Government of Kenya towards reaching the 15 billion trees initiative and wetland mapping and inventory. Dr. Akali, Director, DRSRS, observed that legal frameworks within the East African Community prioritize conservation and sustainable management. The collaboration with RCMRD in data sharing and technical support is crucial for effective resource management. Challenges remain in standardizing data processing methods across the region. Finally, he acknowledged the value of collaboration in generating credible advisories for environmental management.
In closing, the AUC representative Dr Bachir commended the workshop for its high-quality presentations and results, emphasizing the importance of extending GMES & Africa product’s benefits to a broader audience.
