SASSCAL participated at the GMES and Africa 2nd continental forum in Abidjan, which took place from 6 – 10 December 2021. The Forum addressed on how Earth Observation can power Environmental Sustainability and Socio-economic growth in Africa. This theme is reflective of the overarching mandate of the Programme, including the utilization of EO services and applications to foster environmental and long-term natural resource management for human development.
The 2nd continental forum of the first phase of GMES & Africa began with opening statements from several high-level delegates, including Professor Sarah Anyang Agbor, AUC Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Affian Kouadio, Vice President of University Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Professor Adama Diawara, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for High Education and Scientific Research, and Jean Luc Assi, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development representing the Ivorian Prime Minister, His Excellency Patrick Achi. The dignitaries jointly welcomed all participants to this milestone occasion of the GMES and Africa 2nd Continental Forum.
During the opening ceremony, in his speech, Professor Affian commended all twelve consortia on a job well done and their accomplishments in the first phase of GMES and Africa programme objectives. The Professor recognized and gave a token of appreciation to Dr Tidianne Ouattara and Dr Mahaman Ouedraogo for their hard work and achievement in the implementation of the GMES and Africa project. In addition, he praised the support of both financial and technical partners involved in the programme.
Following the opening remarks, Dr Tidiane Outtara and Dr Mahman Ouedraogo highlighted the objectives and expectations of the forum. Dr Ouedraogo rationalized the imperative continuation of the second phase of the GMES and Africa programme with the successful outcomes during the first phase of implementation. Dr Outtara further shared the achievements of the project’s first phase in the implementation of data infrastructures, recognizing the 12 Environmental stations and 48 operators. He also pointed out the ways they have leveraged to raise awareness regarding outreach initiatives using traditional media, social media platforms, and the internet.
