GMES and Africa: The 2nd Continental Forum was held in Abidjan, 6-10 Dec. 2021

This second Continental Forum was centered on how Earth Observation can power Environmental Sustainability and Socio-economic Growth in Africa. This theme is reflective of the overarching mandate of the Programme, including the utilization of EO services and applications to foster environmental and long-term natural resource management for human development.

The Forum Website

• https://gmesandafrica.org

Introduction

GMES & Africa has been delivering on its Pan African mandate of strengthening the capacities of African institutions with the required resources for access to and exploitation of Earth Observation-based services, particularly in the Water and Natural Resources, and Marine and Coastal Areas domains. This is in line with the AU Agenda 2063 and the African Space Policy and Strategy that advocate for the promotion of environmentally sustainable and climate resilient economies and communities through sustainable production and consumption patterns, water security, natural disaster preparedness and prevention, and renewable energy.

The GMES & Africa initiative has been providing information to key stakeholders including policy makers, scientists, businesses, academia and end users, through consortia of institutions implementing EO services and natural resource management projects across the five regions of Africa. The programme has been a major avenue for crystalizing continental EO services as proclaimed under the African Space Policy and Strategy, and availing EO data and facilities to African institutions through the EU Copernicus service.

Impactful results have been generated across the four pillars of Data and Infrastructure, Service Development, Education and Training, and Outreach and Awareness Raising. In its role of fostering collaboration and engagement within the African EO sector, the programme has indicative actions and milestones including two Continental Forums, which provide discursive platforms for EO service providers and end users to exchange views and share ideas. The second and last continental Forum of the first phase of GMES & Africa is scheduled from 6th to 10th December in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire).

Objectives of the 2nd Forum of GMES & Africa

The main objectives of the Forum were to:

1. Discuss achievements and lessons learnt from the 1st phase of GMES and Africa, and the way forward to the 2nd phase of GMES and Africa;
2. Provide an avenue for different partners, especially from academia, NGOs, public sector, the private sector, and end-users to contribute towards the utilization of Earth observation (new and innovative EO technologies) for Africa’s sustainable environments and socio-economic development;
3. Build on success stories in EO, map out the potential partnerships, and engage stakeholders for assuring strong and sustainable ownership, and linking with existing relevant initiatives.

Expected Results

1. Key results, milestones, best practices and lessons learnt from the 1st phase of GMES and Africa with necessary recommendations for 2nd phase, are defined/underlined.
2. Experiences and uptake of EO innovation, technologies, and applications among different partners during implementation of the 1st phase of GMES and Africa are shared.
3. A network of potential partners in EO is mapped out and all GMES & Africa communities of users (i.e., data and services providers, policymakers, representatives of various socio-economic sectors, academia, private companies, humanitarian organizations, general public, and communities) are linked with existing relevant EO initiatives

Agenda features

1. High level segment of keynote speeches, press conference from policy makers from Africa and Europe; and face to face engagement with journalists
2. Discussions along the four main pillars of GMES & Africa: a) Infrastructure and Data, b) EO Services, c) Human Capital Development, d) EO Communication and Engagement.
3. Testimonials on the journey of GMES & Africa implementation told by the consortia.
4. Demonstration of GMES & Africa building talent pipeline by offering scholarships on case studies.
5. Synergies and Partnership sessions with international community.
6. Technical sessions with leaders of space agencies, technical institutions, private sector, academia, civil organizations, etc. on the utility of EO services for socio-economic development.

The Forum included all-day exhibition booths showcasing EO services and products by GMES & Africa consortia of institutions and partners. This and several other networking platforms are also included. 

The Forum was structured to accommodate diverse participants whether technical, decision makers, civil societies, and otherwise. 

The various sessions and segments were interspersed with brainstorming among participants, and underpinned by seamless engagement and idea-sharing. 

The record of deliberations will be constructed into an integrated resource for EO research and policy in Africa.

Forum participants

GMES & Africa Forum is a platform of engagement for diverse participants with a view to enhance and integrate EO services for the socio-economic development. It is a congregation of policy makers, scientists, academicians, user communities, etc. to contribute in enriching the EO services. AUC  sponsored some delegates while consortia sponsored participation of partners and associates, including the students that have benefitted from the scholarships. AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities, the African Union Commission; the European Commission, regional and international institutions, Non-governmental organizations and the United Nations system were among the participants.