Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day: GMES & Africa, a Key Player in Sustainable Resource Management

Wangari Maathai, an African environmental pioneer, demonstrated that protecting natural resources is essential for sustainable development. In this spirit, GMES & Africa leverages Earth observation technologies to enhance the management of Africa’s land, water, and marine resources. It provides decision-makers with accurate data, strengthens political and institutional frameworks, develops user-focused services, builds capacity, and raises awareness of environmental challenges. 

Wangari Maathai: A Trailblazer in Environmental Protection

The first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Wangari Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement, which promotes reforestation and the empowerment of local communities. She proved that sustainable environmental management and social progress are inseparable. Her legacy continues to inspire Africa, and GMES & Africa can help to extend her vision by integrating space technology to protect the continent's natural resources.   

The Wangari Maathaï Foundation, https://wangarimaathai.org/

GMES & Africa: Harnessing Data for Informed Resource Management

GMES & Africa applies Earth observation technology to improve the management of land and water resources as well as marine and coastal ecosystems. Its activities focus on several key areas:

• Monitoring land and water resources: Tracking forests, agricultural land, soils, and water resources to combat desertification and improve resource management.  
• Protecting marine and coastal ecosystems: Analysing erosion, water quality, and fishing zones to safeguard biodiversity and support the blue economy.  
• Enhancing access to Earth observation data and products: Providing up-to-date, locally relevant information for institutions and economic actors.  
• Developing services tailored to African users, transforming satellite data into practical tools for resource management.  
• Building the capacities of individuals and institutions, through training and equipping public and private organisations.  
• Raising awareness and improving understanding of environmental issues, by making information accessible and promoting education on ecological challenges.  
• Strengthening political and institutional frameworks, supporting governments and regional organisations in designing sustainable environmental policies.  

GMES & Africa Projects in Action

GMES & Africa supports eight regional consortia made up of public and private, national and regional institutions, experts, NGOs, training centres and/or universities, whose work is directed by a reference institution in the region of intervention. 

• CICOS (Central Africa)
• CSIR-MarCOSIO (Southern Africa)
• CSE GZDHAIO (West Africa)
• ICPAC GMES (East Africa)
• OSS GMES (North Africa)
• RCMRD GMES (East Africa)
• SASSCAL We MAST (Southern Africa)
• UoG MarCNoWA (West and North Africa)

Discover the GMES and Africa Consortia : https://gmes4africa.blogspot.com/p/consortia.html