adminLeonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
THE inaugural African Global Earth Observation System of Systems (AfriGEOSS) symposium has ended with calls for the continent to work together to fight climate change. The Research Council of Zimbabwe, in partnership with the University of Zimbabwe hosted the symposium which ended on Thursday under the theme “Earth Observations for the Africa We Want.”
Presenting the resolutions at the close of the symposium, Humbulani Mudau from the department of Science and Technology in South Africa, said it was imperative for member countries to establish national Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) coordination mechanisms and strengthen the AfriGEOSS governance structure.
“We need to bring AfriGEOSS into political discussions to inform and influence policy formulation, promote and ensure the use of Earth Observation (EO) data and information in decision-making, sustainable forest management as well as continue engagements with the private sector and industry,” he said.
The conference agreed that member states should establish national Global Earth Observation System mechanisms to leverage on existing local EO investments, mobilise additional funding for local and regional EO initiatives and projects, improving the use and uptake of EO for evidence based policy formulation and decision making and engagement of all stakeholders in developing national mapping requirements and standards.
Countries are also expected to strengthen regional coordination, actively participate in AfriGEOSS and share experiences.
In closing remarks, the chairman of the Department of Geography and Environmental Science at the UZ, Professor Amon Murwira, who was representing Vice Chancellor Levi Nyagura, said Africa has to be in ‘space’.
“The most important resolution is that Africa has to work together for the cause of earth observation and for capacity building through skills training. As Africa we’ve the same climatic challenges, which is why we talk about Space Policy adopted by Heads of State and this gives us the impetus to continue in one direction,” he said.
Prof Murwira said the UZ was appointed by the RCZ to be a research partner and it provided human and financial resources towards hosting the conference.
He said the UZ had started a degree programme in Earth Observation and Geographical Information Science to make sure Zimbabwe is competitive.
Prof Murwira said some of the benefits of GEOSS had been seen in the Environmental Management Agency’s activities which uses earth observation to detect fires.
Online Reporter