GMES Africa holds regional workshop for East Africa to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange

The GMES Africa programme recently held its East Africa regional workshop in Antananarivo, Madagascar, bringing together decision-makers from government institutions, national project partners, international and regional organisations, and the private sector. The workshop aimed to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange between stakeholders, showcasing successful applications of Earth observation (EO) in the region.

The event featured plenary sessions, thematic presentations, interactive workshops, and demonstrations of EO tools, highlighting their impact on decision-making and policy formulation. Case studies presented concrete examples of how EO tools are addressing critical environmental challenges in East Africa.

Discussions focused on developing and implementing policies using EO data, emphasizing the need to translate EO tools into concrete measures for resource management and strengthen policy and institutional frameworks. The workshop aimed to ensure EO tools are effectively integrated into decision-making processes to promote sustainable development.

In line with its mandate, the workshop facilitated discussions on GMES Africa programme projects, including the LocateIT coastal erosion monitoring tool. Participants also explored tools developed under the programme, and the workshop served as a platform for bringing together operational and political players.

High-level political representatives from Madagascar were engaged to discuss the benefits of using EO tools, and the importance of the country joining the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD).

Three more workshops are scheduled between now and September, covering West Africa, Central Africa, and South Africa.

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye