"This was unveiled on Wednesday October 2, 2024 during the data & information engagement workshop for Protected and Conserved Areas at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, Kenya.
'The workshop offers a platform to showcase our progress on data for Protected and Conserved Areas and to explore how data can drive impactful conservation efforts,' said RCMRD Director General, Dr Emmanuel Nkurunziza.
It will serve as a one-stop platform for up-to-date data, interactive mapping, and analytical tools aimed at enhancing ecosystem monitoring and decision-making.
The portal will also enable users to track biodiversity, forest cover, and seascape ecosystems across borders, helping stakeholders respond proactively to environmental challenges.
It is also expected to promote data-sharing between countries and institutions, ensuring cross-border cooperation for effective ecosystem management.
The RCoE data geoportal provides access to key data for the conservation of the ecosystems in Eastern and Southern Africa. It is seen an essential resource for governments, conservation organizations, researchers, and local communities across the region.
At the launch, Dr. Faith Nyokabi the Head of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) at the Ministry of Environment and represented Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng'eno, Principal Secretary in charge of the State Department for Environment and Climate.
'The ability to track environmental changes in real-time, analyse trends, and predict future scenarios will enable us to make informed decisions that protect our environment while promoting sustainable development,' she said.
The workshop, themed 'Leveraging Data Insights for Impactful and Sustainable Ecosystems,' brought together conservationists, policymakers, and data specialists from 24 project countries, including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Eswatini and Ethiopia.
Other countries represented were Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe and the hosts Kenya.
Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, the Chief Executive Officer at the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and Director General of ICRAF explained that the goal is to equip communities, governments, and organizations with the information and tools they need to manage ecosystems sustainably.
'By bringing together experts from across eastern and southern Africa, we are fostering a culture of shared learning, innovation, and collaboration,' she noted.
The four-day workshop which ends today Friday October 4, 2024, has strengthened relationships with institutions managing data on protected areas and demonstrated the importance of data in decision-making for governance and conservation.
The RCoE's data management process was showcased and defined its role in helping countries track progress on global biodiversity framework targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
The RCoE expressed commitment to providing access to actionable data that will enable various communities to participate in conservation efforts and take ownership of local ecosystem management.
Sam K Nkurunziza
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rcoe-unveils-advanced-geoportal-for-ecosystem-data-management
