GMES and Africa Upcoming Trainings

GMES and Africa Programme is announcing upcoming Five continental Trainings to be conducted by the G&A Network of Academia, and one on entrepreneurship. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Application Portal in the Digital Learning Platform and make their submissions ASAP.

Last update 18/08/2022

BACKGROUND

Since December 2016, the Commission has been coordinating implementation of the Earth Observation (EO) System for the monitoring and management of the environment in Africa through Global Monitoring for the Environment and Security (GMES) & Africa. GMES & Africa is the first Pan-African program, and it contributes to the EO domain of the African Outer Space Flagship. In Phase I, the programme built a network of over 120 national and regional institutions in the continent to deliver evidence-based Earth Observation services on Water, Marine and Natural Resources management.

The first phase focuses on improved management of Water, Marine and Natural Resources in Africa. It focuses on 6 outputs: 1) Improved policy and institutional framework, 2) Improved access to Earth Observation data and information products, 3) Information services are operational, 4) Enhancing Capacities of African public institutions, users and private sector, 5) Knowledge management, including cross fertilization, 6) Outreach, uptake and dissemination.


THE GMES AND AFRICA DIGITAL LEARNING PLATFORM

GMES & Africa has established the Digital Learning Platform as a hub for not only delivering online courses, but also a collaborative tool in which AUC, Consortia, Academia and Partners contribute and offer their courses. All the GMES and Africa consortia have uploaded their courses on the DLP and they continue to provide trainings. About 100 courses and material are now available in free and open-source principle.

UPCOMING TRAINING

Course	Dates	Venue
1. Spatial Altimetry and Applications to the Monitoring of Surface Water Resources	05-07 September 2022	Yaoundé, Cameroun
2. Training on wetland monitoring and management using earth observation data	07-09 September 2022	University of Makéréré, Kampala, Uganda
3. Training on agricultural monitoring with land observation data	18-21 October 2022	OSS, Tunisia
4. Workshop on Entrepreneurship in EO: Case Studies of GMES & Africa Private Sector Network, etc.	24-28 October 2022	Kigali, Rwanda
5. Earth Observation hackathon	24-28 October 2022	Kigali, Rwanda

1. Spatial Altimetry and Applications to the Monitoring of Surface Water Resources, 05-07 Sep 2022

Objectives

The main objective of this training is to strengthen capacity of researchers and professionals on Spatial Observation Applications for water resources management.  More specifically, this training will focus on the following objectives: 

• Review the surface water monitoring methods: state of the art and perspectives;
• Review the current state of satellite observations of surface water and show their potential for use on a regional and continental scale;
• Understand the processing chain of spatial altimetry data, from downloading to obtaining water level time series from raw high-resolution data, using open access software;
• Understand the need for field measurements and their interaction with satellite observations through a field visit

Expected Results

• The concepts of Earth Observation Applications for monitoring and management of water resources are understood;
• Data processing and analysis techniques are identified and used;
• Applications for water resources operational services are identified;
• A framework of exchange and collaboration is established. 

Entry requirements and mode of delivery 

Participants who apply for the course should have a minimum of a three-year university degree in the field of environmental and applied sciences or related subjects.  In addition, participants should have basic computer skills, and preferably knowledge of the use of GIS and/or remote sensing data. It is also noted that participants should bring their own laptops.

The training will run over 3 days, including one day fieldwork to develop a practical field-based case study. The mode of delivery will consist of interactive sessions, with regional experience sharing involving facilitators and participants. The training will be based on a mix of theoretical and practical sessions supported by appropriate exercises. Training materials will include PPT presentations, adapted booklets, and USB sticks containing tools and software, which will be given to participants. At the end of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion. 

2. Training on wetland monitoring and management using earth observation data, 07-09 Sep 2022

This training is planned for 2.5 days, scheduled for 7th – 9th September 2022. About 20 participants from Africa are envisaged. The training will be hosted by the Department of Geomatics and Land Administration, Makerere University in collaboration with ESIPPS International Ltd, Kampala and will take place at the GIS Center, Makerere University.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this training is to provide knowledge and technical skills in Wetland Vulnerability Monitoring and Assessment technologies and Services to promote a more sustainable long-term management of wetland resources in Africa. The objectives of this course are to:

• Empower participants with the skill of using Earth Observation data and tools in assessing of Wetland Vulnerability  
• Equip participants with knowledge and skills of WVA tool and products in monitoring and assessing wetland vulnerability 
• Instill in participants the art of packaging and disseminating information generated by Wetland vulnerability analysis tool.
• Disseminate Earth Observation and GIS methodology and a prototype relevant to wetland vulnerability analysis 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this training Participants should able to:

• Apply EO tools and data in Wetland vulnerability Monitoring and Assessment
• Visualize and Interpret outputs of Wetland vulnerability Assessment 
• Use Wetland Vulnerability Analysis Tool in wetland monitoring and Assessment
• About 20 trainees will acquire knowledge on methodology and prototyping

Entry requirements

• To be eligible for admission to this training program, the participants must have: 
• Basic knowledge of English
• Basic computer skills 
• Basics of Geographic information systems and remote sensing

3. Training on agricultural monitoring with land observation data, 18-21 Oct 2022

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this training is to provide knowledge and technical skills in Agricultural Monitoring technologies and Services to promote Food and Nutrition Security in Africa. The objectives of this course are to:

• Empower participants with the skill of using Earth Observation data and tools in monitoring Agriculture.
• Equip participants with knowledge and skills of tools and products in monitoring agriculture. 
• Disseminate Earth Observation and GIS methodology and a prototype relevant to agricultural monitoring.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this training Participants should able to:

• Apply EO tools and data in Agricultural Monitoring 
• Visualize and Interpret outputs of Agricultural Productivity 
• Use Analysis Tools for Agricultural Monitoring 
• About 20 trainees will acquire knowledge on methodology and prototyping

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission to this training program, the participants must have: 

• Basic knowledge of English
• Basic computer skills 
• Basics of Geographic information systems and remote sensing  

4. Workshop on Entrepreneurship in EO: Case Studies of GMES & Africa Private Sector Network, etc, 24-28 Oct 2022

One of the GMES & Africa strongest commitments is to nurture and empower the African EO Private Sector. 

For this purpose, a workshop on EO startups and established companies is planned in Kigali Rwanda in the margins of the AARSE Conference, with Case Studies of GMES & Africa Private Sector Network, Copernicus Entities, European Association of Private Sector, etc.  

The workshop will be conducted in the margins of the AARSE Workshop. 

Objectives

• Facilitate exchanges between space companies in Africa
• Make known the solutions of African professionals in the field
• Improve collaboration of African companies and institutions
• Train companies to become national leaders
• Communicate on continental opportunities and initiatives
• Reward the most dynamic actors in the field of geomatics
• Valorize the innovations made in Africa in the field of geomatics
• Promote innovation and creativity in the field of space in Africa
• Promote emulsion and networking between the academic world and the entrepreneurial world;
• Raise political awareness of geomatics use;
• Valorize the results obtained by geomatics professionals on specific themes.
• Facilitate the professional integration of young Africans.

Target Participants

• Companies involved in the field of space
• National and international institutions
• Policy makers at the national or international level
• Researchers and research teachers for their innovations and publications
• The students

Private sector is encouraged to apply and a selection process will be conducted accordingly.

5. EO hackathon, 24-28 Oct 2022

ICT has become a fundamental part of deriving EO services. For this reason, cloud computing is an integral part of the EO service process chains. The proposed Hackathon/Datathon activity is to catalyse development of EO services in a virtual computing and collaborative environment. The activity is designed to generate scalable solutions to the identified few challenges using EO applications. Scientists and researchers will team up to collaborate on viable projects tailored to one of the selected challenges. 

Challenges to be addressed 

• Spatial Altimetry and Applications for Monitoring of Surface Water Resources
• Wetlands Monitoring and Management using Earth Observation Data
• Agricultural Monitoring Using Earth Observation Data
• Marine resource monitoring 

Objectives 

The aim is to engage students, researchers and foster collaboration between participants of diverse backgrounds and expertise. Each team includes participants with expertise in EO data processing/GIS, thematic expert (agriculture, hydrology, marine, etc.).

Target audience

This activity is targeted for young researchers and scientists, with priority on those supporting consortia in development of services. Applying participants are expected to already have skills relevant to software development, e.g.: computer programmers, graphic and interface designers, Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation experts, project managers and thematic experts (agriculture, climate, energy, forestry, hydrology), data analysts. Application portal is open in the GMES & Africa Digital Learning Platform.

Modus Operandi  

The procedure is to admit teams that will work collaboratively to address one of the specific challenges highlighted above. Teams must demonstrate at least technical capabilities in the solutions they seek to provide. This is a hands-on activity that requires concentration and dedication. Prior to the physical Hackathon/Datathon, there will be orientation to warm up the participants and make them familiar with the computing environment.

Expected results 

The expected outcome is to provide innovative solutions applicable to each of the thematic areas highlighted in the challenges. During the final presentation, the teams present innovative ideas supported by processed data or prototype products. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

To get to the page dedicated to the above mentioned trainings, click on this Link.  

In order to encourage diversity and inclusion, applications are sourced openly. 

Each course ensures 50% women participation.  

Applicants are invited to make their submissions as soon as possible. Selection process for September courses will be conducted in the second half of August and the recipients will be notified immediately. Selection process for remaining courses will be conducted in early September and recipients will be equally notified.

New users will need to create an account and login to the platform, after which they can access the application portal.


CONTACT PERSON

Meshack Kinyua Ndiritu
Space Applications Training Officer

Department of Education Science Technology and Innovation  
GMES & Africa Support Program, & Space
Email: NdirituM@africa-union.org

 

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About the African Outer Space Flagship

The African Outer Space Programme is a Flagship of AU Agenda 2063, designed to create a well-coordinated and integrated continental Space Program that is responsive to the continent’s   socio-economic development; and to further develop regulatory frameworks that support the African space agenda and ensure that Africa is a responsible and peaceful user of outer space. In January 2016, the Assembly adopted the African Space Policy and Strategy as the first in a series of instruments to formalize the African Outer Space Flagship. This was followed by articulation and adoption of the Statues of the African Space Agency by the Assembly in January 2018. The Statute establishes the African Space Agency as an Organ of the African Union. The Assembly also endorsed the Republic of Egypt as the host of the African Space Agency. In 2022, the Heads of State and Government considered the Structural and Financial implications for African Space Agency in response to the Assembly’s Decision and adopted the structure and financial model of the African Space Agency. The Assembly further requested the Commission to fill the structure in three phases. The African Space Strategy focuses on 4 domains and their applications: 1) Earth Observation, 2) Satellite Communication, 3) Navigation and Positioning, and 4) Astronomy and Space Sciences.