GMES & Africa Phase 2: Earth Observation Data Set to Be Used for Decision-Making
A regional workshop for the Water and Natural Resources Management in Central Africa (Gernac) Project opened on September 11 in Brazzaville, under the leadership of Pascal Boukete, Director of Regulation and Control at the General Directorate of Hydraulics
Organized by the International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS), the three-day workshop aims to foster the ownership and dissemination of geo-service solutions among key stakeholders. Specifically, the workshop seeks to:
- Facilitate exchanges and knowledge-sharing among consortium partners on project implementation progress.
- Engage beneficiaries to align services with their expectations.
- Ensure the sustainability of developed geo-services and the Gernac platform.
- Strengthen the technical capacity of African experts through continental training on flood management.
GMES & Africa Phase 2: A Strategic Initiative for the Continent
The GMES & Africa Phase 2 Program is a joint initiative between the African Union Commission (AUC) and the European Union (EU). It aligns with Africa’s space strategies and policies and directly supports Aspiration 7 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, aiming to establish a robust Earth Observation (EO) information system for the continent.
According to Dr. Marie-Thérèse Itongo, Secretary General of CICOS, this initiative follows previous programs such as PUMA, AMESD, MESA, and the first phase of GMES & Africa. Its goal is to help African nations integrate EO data into environmental policymaking, enhancing climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
Launched in early 2022, the second phase of GMES & Africa is set to conclude by end of 2025.
Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Development
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Hydraulics, who chairs the CICOS Council of Ministers, Pascal Boukete reaffirmed the strategic importance of the GMES & Africa Program. He emphasized that Gernac, one of its key projects, was launched in Cameroon over two years ago, with Congo among the beneficiary countries.
This continental program promotes Earth Observation satellite data to support African nations in:
- Developing sound environmental policies and sustainable development plans.
- Enhancing disaster preparedness in response to climate change impacts.
- Improving ecosystem and protected area management.
- Boosting hydropower production and potable water distribution.
- Strengthening inland water navigation.
- Advancing agricultural planning and food security.
The Future of Earth Observation in Central Africa
CICOS Secretary General Dr. Itongo highlighted the transformative impact of this initiative. She underscored that the geo-services and products developed will play a vital role in multiple sectors, including:
- Forestry and biodiversity conservation.
- Hydropower and water resource management.
- Agricultural productivity and food security.
- Marine and coastal resource management through inter-consortium collaboration.
This workshop is a key milestone in ensuring that Earth Observation data becomes an integral part of decision-making processes across Central Africa.
As GMES & Africa moves forward, its legacy will be measured by how effectively it empowers African experts, institutions, and governments to leverage space-based technologies for sustainable development.
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