The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) successfully hosted a workshop that brought together experts and stakeholders from 24 African countries to discuss the future of biodiversity conservation in Africa. The workshop, which focused on biodiversity, forests, and seascapes, provided a platform for knowledge exchange and the introduction of innovative geospatial technologies. The event also marked a significant milestone—the official launch of the RCoE-ESA Geoportal, a cutting-edge tool aimed at enhancing data access and decision-making for biodiversity conservation across the continent.

Empowering Conservation Efforts Through Data

With the increasing threats to Africa's biodiversity, from habitat loss to climate change, the need for robust data and tools to monitor and conserve ecosystems has never been more critical. The Data and Information Engagement workshop aimed to address these challenges by equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to leverage geospatial technologies to manage and protect biodiversity. Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged in discussions and hands-on training on the use of remote sensing, GIS, and data-driven approaches to biodiversity monitoring.

The event attracted participants from the 24 participating countries from Eastern and Southern Africa. The mix of the participants were conservation professionals, government representatives, NGOs, and academic researchers, all of whom shared insights and practical solutions to the growing concerns of biodiversity loss, deforestation, and marine ecosystem degradation. The collaborative nature of the workshop emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The Launch of the RCoE-ESA Data Geoportal

A highlight of the workshop was the official launch of the RCoE Geoportal. This innovative platform serves as a hub for geospatial data, providing users with access to real-time environmental data, satellite imagery, and analytical tools. Designed to facilitate biodiversity conservation, the Geoportal allows stakeholders from African governments, NGOs, and research institutions to access critical data for informed decision-making.

As a way of validating and verifying the (geographical) location of the protected and conserved areas as well as the statistics linked to the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target 3, the organizer set up a data mural showcase that provided a visual compelling graphics for the participants to engage with the technical team.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General of RCMRD, emphasized the transformative potential of the Geoportal:   “The RCoE-ESA Geoportal represents a significant step forward in our mission to support sustainable development in Africa. By providing open access to reliable geospatial data, we are empowering countries to better manage their natural resources and strengthen biodiversity conservation efforts.”

A Game Changer for Africa’s Conservation Landscape The Data Geoportal is expected to play a key role in supporting the implementation of national and regional biodiversity strategies. By offering users access to a wide range of datasets, including land cover maps, biodiversity indices, and deforestation trends, the portal serves as a vital resource for conservation planning and monitoring. It also facilitates cross-border collaboration, allowing countries to share data and best practices for sustainable environmental management. The data geoportal can be accessed using this link: https://rcoe-geoportal.rcmrd.org/

Next Steps and Continued Engagement

As the workshop ended, participants expressed optimism about the role of the Geoportal in addressing the challenges of biodiversity conservation in Africa. They highlighted the importance of continued capacity building and regional cooperation in utilizing geospatial technologies to protect the continent’s diverse ecosystems.

Looking ahead, RCMRD will continue to work closely with its partners to enhance the capabilities of the Data Geoportal and support countries in meeting their biodiversity conservation goals. Through the continued use of evidence-based data-driven solutions, Africa is better positioned to safeguard its natural resources for future generations.

The RCoE-ESA will generate a map book where all the maps showcased at the regional level and national level can be accessed in both online and print version. The map book will be released next year as one of the publications that gives a spotlight on what the data is informing us on protected and conserved areas in the region.

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