Strengthening Collaboration for Earth Observation Development in Africa
SERVIR West Africa and GMES & Africa Partnership Takes Center Stage
SERVIR West Africa (SERVIR WA) took part in an important event, the first Continental Forum for the second phase of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security & Africa (GMES) Program in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from November 27 to 30, 2023. This was a significant opportunity for SERVIR WA to contribute and collaborate in shaping the future of the GMES Program.
The meeting brought together approximately 200 professionals with a shared focus on the production and utilization of Earth Observation data.
The main objectives of the Forum were twofold:
- to discuss achievements and lessons learned from the first two years of GMES Phase 2 & Africa, as well as prospects for the remainder of the program in 2025; and
- to build on Earth Observation successes by fostering partnerships, involving other stakeholders, and linking with initiatives such as the SERVIR WA Program.
Empowering Earth Observation Communities of Practice
A significant highlight of the event was the high-level panel on Communities of Practice in Earth Observation (EO), held during the morning session on 30 November 2023. This panel, divided into two batches, focused on establishing and maintaining EO service providers and end-users.
Key speakers included: Dr Taibou Ba, Thematic Expert GMES & Africa, African Union Commission (AUC); Dr Paul Bartel, Chief of Party, SERVIR WA; Dr Nsadisa Faka, Coordinator ClimSA; and Mr Semou Diouf, Director, SatNav. Moderated by Mr Souleye Wade, Communication Officer, African Association of Remote Sensing of the Environment (AARSE), the panel addressed the imperative need for inclusive community building in Earth Observation.
Dr Taibou Ba emphasized the participatory nature of community building, involving all stakeholders.
"The aim of these communities is to create an ecosystem that contributes to the implementation of EO practices for sustainable resource management. We need a participatory approach, involving all stakeholders, diagnosing needs and expertise, conducting regular meetings, and building capacity," said Dr Ba.
Dr Paul Bartel highlighted the importance of co-development and sharing within communities of practice.
Citing Senegal as an example, he illustrated how SERVIR WA integrates diverse stakeholders, including pastoralists, NGOs, public radio and more to disseminate information and engage in critical co-development.
Dr Bartel underscored the gravity of data accuracy, especially in scenarios where inaccuracies could have life-altering consequences for decision-makers.
"Discussions often center on the technological and scientific aspects but community involvement is paramount. Co-development, is not just important; it is critical. The focus should extend beyond the creation of data to ensuring standardized, curated, accessible, and well-documented information, along with a clear understanding of its accuracy," Dr Bartel emphasized.
Contributing to the discussion, Dr Nsadisa Faka highlighted the importance of collaboration between EO service providers and end-users, focusing on developing decision support tools and raising awareness about the meaning of GMES and SERVIR West Africa, while Dr Semou Diouf provided recommendations for programs utilizing EO data to enhance the operationalization of their products and services.
The ensuing discussions touched on precision and inclusivity in mapping stakeholders, marketing EO to the youth and private sector, and the transition from mandates to markets. Panelists emphasized the importance of awareness and the need for synergies between GMES & Africa and SERVIR West Africa programs.
The panel discussions highlighted the collaborative efforts of both programs with university networks and research centers to develop the skills of young individuals, advocating for more sustainable engagement with universities.
Discussions also occurred on potential partnership opportunities between the SERVIR West Africa Program and GMES & Africa Program to better address the needs of Africans in targeted fields.
Contributed by Ms Thioro C. Niang (CSE, Senegal), Dr Paul Bartel (ICRISAT) and Ms Agathe Diama (ICRISAT).
Agathe Diama