By Eddah Waithaka
Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) hosted the Data and Information Engagement Workshop at their headquarters in Nairobi. The workshop provided an invaluable platform to explore how data and information, particularly geospatial data, can help address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment, Ministry of Environment,
Climate Change, and Forestry, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno said that today’s world is changing rapidly, therefore the critical role of accurate and reliable data in decision-making has become
undeniable.
“Whether we are talking about mitigating climate change, managing water resources,
or safeguarding biodiversity, timely and actionable data is the bedrock of effective
environmental management. The work of RCMRD continues to demonstrate how geospatial data can provide insights that guide policy formulation, resource
allocation, and sustainable development, both nationally and across the region,” said Ng’ eno.
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The unveiling of the Geoportal occurred concurrently with the commencement of a four-day Data & Information Engagement Workshop centered around the theme of “Harnessing Data Insights for Meaningful and Sustainable Ecosystems.” This collaborative event united conservationists, policymakers, and data experts from diverse nations in a collective endeavor to devise innovative approaches that utilize data in tackling intricate environmental issues.
In highlighting the initiative, Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and as the Director General of ICRAF, emphasized its role in cultivating a collaborative environment centered on mutual learning, inventive thinking, and regional collaboration. “Our aim is to empower communities, governmental bodies, and institutions with the necessary knowledge and resources for the sustainable management of ecosystems,” she underscored.
The primary objective of the workshop was to enhance partnerships with organizations responsible for curating data related to protected regions, emphasizing the critical significance of data in both governance and conservation efforts. Additionally, the event served as a platform to demonstrate the data management procedures of the RCoE, illustrating its contributions in monitoring advancements towards achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework Targets outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Emphasizing the importance of the Geoportal in advancing conservation initiatives, Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General of RCMRD, reaffirmed the pivotal role of this technology in bolstering effective conservation endeavors. “This workshop provides a valuable opportunity to present our advancements in data pertaining to Protected and Conserved Areas, and to delve into the potential of data-driven strategies for impactful conservation,” he articulated.
Backed by funding from the European Union and bolstered by support from CIFOR-ICRAF, the RCoE Geoportal is poised to equip conservationists, researchers, and policymakers with timely, actionable information. Through its extensive data-sharing functionalities, this platform will facilitate synchronized responses to environmental issues, establishing itself as a crucial instrument in propelling sustainable development initiatives throughout the region..
With ongoing expansion and development, the platform is poised to emerge as a cornerstone for proficient ecosystem governance, aiding communities and nations in attaining their biodiversity objectives while preserving Africa’s natural legacy for upcoming generations.
