GMES and Africa Regional Workshop (Western Africa) is Underway in Dakar

Following the recent regional workshops for North and South Africa, a regional GMES and Africa exchange workshop for West Africa is currently being held in Dakar. This workshop is taking place from 24th to 26th July 2024 and focuses on the sustainable management of natural resources (land, water, marine, and coastal) in West Africa.

Rational 

In response to the degradation of ecosystems caused by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation, African countries, in partnership with the international community, are seeking innovative solutions to ensure food security and the preservation of natural resources. The use of Earth Observation (EO) data stands out as an effective method for monitoring and managing these resources. For nearly twenty years, the African Union and the European Union have been collaborating to facilitate access to EO data and thus promote sustainable development.

The GMES & Africa programme, launched in 2016 and currently in its second phase (2022-2025), supports two West African projects: the sustainable management of wetlands and floods, led by the Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE) in Senegal, and the management of marine and coastal areas, led by the University of Ghana (UoG). Each of these projects covers several countries and is implemented in collaboration with national institutions, including technical services, universities, and regional organisations.

The Dakar workshop is a joint event for the two projects, organised in concert by these projects. It brings together more than 60 stakeholders and aims to strengthen regional collaboration and the use of EO data for sustainable development. This event underscores the importance of African leadership in managing natural resources for future generations.

Objectives

The Dakar workshop aims to foster inter-regional cooperation and promote the use of Earth Observation (EO) technologies among GMES and Africa programme stakeholders and beyond. Its main objective is to ensure the widespread adoption and long-term sustainability of the solutions developed within African institutions, end-users, policymakers, and other stakeholders, to ensure broader adoption.

The workshop shares the results of the projects, highlighting successes and lessons learnt. It provides a platform for regional institutions to present their EO policies and strategies. It establishes cooperation frameworks to share experiences and best practices. It raises awareness among participants by highlighting services and successes, and facilitates discussions on the six pillars of the project and their impacts. Developing sustainability strategies for GMES services is a key objective, ensuring that the benefits continue after implementation.

Collectively, these objectives aim to strengthen regional collaboration, maximise the impact of GMES & Africa services, and promote the effective use of EO data for sustainable development in Africa.

Expected Outcomes

The workshop serves as a platform to demonstrate the impact of these services on the daily lives of beneficiaries, providing tangible examples of their effectiveness. It aims to gather feedback on how the services provided under GMES & Africa meet the needs of end-users, stakeholders, and regional and sub-regional institutions.

The expected outcomes of the workshop focus on collecting and considering feedback from end-users and communities of practice regarding the various services offered by the two consortia. Participants will also share their experiences on synergy and cross-fertilisation activities between the consortia and similar EO initiatives, promoting increased awareness among stakeholders of the results of the different projects implemented under the GMES & Africa programme. The workshop will provide insights into the policies, strategies, and expectations of regional institutions concerning EO initiatives.

Additionally, the workshop aims to identify opportunities for collaboration and improvement in the implementation and sustainability of GMES & Africa services. These outcomes collectively aim to strengthen the impact and sustainability of GMES & Africa services by promoting a better understanding of end-user needs and facilitating cooperation between stakeholders at the regional and sub-regional levels.

Expected Participants

Attendees will include representatives from partner institutions that are part of the consortia for GDZHIAO and MarCNoWA. Staff from the implementation centres at the Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE) in Senegal and the University of Ghana (UoG) will also be present.

Additionally, the workshop will host beneficiaries and end-users of the services, as well as representatives from Regional Economic Communities (RECs). Participants will also include those involved in regional or sub-regional initiatives similar to GMES, members of the academic community, and private sector stakeholders.

This diverse group of participants will contribute to discussions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of GMES & Africa services, sharing valuable insights, experiences, and strategies for the future.