The Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) for Biodiversity, Forests, and Seascape Ecosystems Management has launched a cutting-edge Data Geoportal platform to promote open access to critical ecosystem data. The launch, which took place on September 30th, 2024, at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) in Nairobi, marks a significant step in enhancing the conservation of biodiversity, forests, and marine ecosystems across Eastern and Southern Africa.
The newly unveiled Geoportal will serve as a central repository for up-to-date data, real-time environmental monitoring, and analytical tools, enabling users to access key information on forest cover, seascapes, and biodiversity trends. This interactive platform is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening cross-border collaboration, fostering sustainable development, and enhancing environmental stewardship across 24 project countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Faith Nyokabi, who represented Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Environment and Climate, emphasized the platform’s potential to transform ecosystem management and conservation efforts. “The ability to track environmental changes in real-time, analyze trends, and predict future scenarios will enable us to make informed decisions that protect our environment while promoting sustainable development,” she stated.
The Geoportal launch coincided with the opening of a four-day Data & Information Engagement Workshop, themed “Leveraging Data Insights for Impactful and Sustainable Ecosystems.” The workshop brought together conservationists, policymakers, and data specialists from various countries to explore strategies for leveraging data to address complex environmental challenges.
Dr. Éliane Ubalijoro, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and Director General of ICRAF, noted that the initiative fosters a culture of shared learning, innovation, and regional cooperation. “Our goal is to equip communities, governments, and organizations with the information and tools they need to manage ecosystems sustainably,” she said.
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The workshop aimed at strengthening relationships with institutions managing data on protected areas and highlight the role of data in governance and conservation. It also showcases the RCoE’s data management process and its support in tracking progress on Global Biodiversity Framework Targets under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General of RCMRD, reiterated the significance of the Geoportal in promoting impactful conservation efforts. “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 strategies,” he remarked.
The RCoE Geoportal, funded by the European Union and supported by CIFOR-ICRAF, is expected to empower conservationists, researchers, and policymakers with timely and actionable insights. Its comprehensive data-sharing capabilities will ensure coordinated responses to environmental challenges, making it a vital tool in advancing sustainable development across the region.
As the platform continues to grow and evolve, it is set to become a cornerstone for effective ecosystem management, helping communities and countries achieve their biodiversity goals and safeguard Africa’s natural heritage for future generations.
