WeMast Phase II End User Training Workshop

SASSCAL to host the WeMast Phase II End User Training Workshop
The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) is a joint initiative of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Germany in Response to the challenges of global change. SASSCAL has its Regional Secretariate (RS) in Windhoek, Namibia and it has its Node Offices in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. Since its formation in 2012, SASSCAL has made amazing advancements and accomplishments in the field of Capacity Development, Research Management, scientific and services provision. SASSCAL’S mission is to strengthen the regional capacity to generate and use scientific knowledge products and services for decision- making on climate change and adaptive land management through research management, human capital development and services brokerage. This mission is actualized by sourcing for funding for various projects implementation, and WeMAST Phase II is one of such projects that SASSCAL as a lead consortium is implementing with its partners that include University of Botswana, University of Zambia, University of Namibia, University of the Western Cape, Midlands State University (Zimbabwe), the National Remote Sensing Centre Zambia (NRSC) and SADC WaterNet.

WeMAST (Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Service for Transboundary River Basins in Southern Africa) is a project funded under the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) & Africa Support Programme between the Africa Union and the European Union, in the area of space science and technology, a key priority under the EU-Africa partnership. GMES and Africa aims to promote development of local capacities, institutional, human and technical resources for access to and exploitation of Earth Observation (EO) based services on an operational basis for sustainable development in Africa. Wetlands are central to water resource management, biodiversity conservation, and provision of ecosystem services. Therefore, regular well-designed wetland monitoring is central to effective decision-making and sustainable management of wetlands, particularly those that are supported by shared watercourses. Monitoring wetland characteristics such as duration and extent flooding and ecological responses to variation in flooding regimes require data preparation and computation integrity of selected computer systems. It is also important to ensure that any computer systems for wetland monitoring are adapted to the specific characteristics of the wetland systems of interest. This depends on availability of relevant earth observation and in-situ data and information. As such, the GMES and Africa programme through a WeMAST Geoportal aims at providing information and a computer system for monitoring and assessing the wetland and basin conditions. This custom-made computer system is intended to offer a powerful solution by automating data access processes, analysis, and reporting processes while enabling efficient and accurate evaluation of wetland conditions.

2.0 Rationale of the user needs assessment
To effectively support wetland managers in their work, user training is essential. Training programmes will focus on helping users understand and make the best use of the various products available through the WeMAST 2.0 geoportal. This includes not only the geoportal itself, but also training on the QGIS plugin developed for wetland management, the mobile application for validating products and in-situ data collection, and the Mapographics document, which serves as a policy brief for decision-makers/policy makers.

The WeMAST 2.0 geoportal has been designed to provide comprehensive support for wetland management across several key areas:

1. Field Data Collection and Validation: The platform facilitates efficient data collection in the field, enabling real-time updates and validation of wetland-related information.
2. Monitoring Services: WeMAST 2.0 supports ongoing monitoring efforts by providing users with tools to track and analyse wetland health over time.
3. Policy Support: The geoportal delivers targeted information to assist policymakers in making informed decisions for the sustainable management of wetlands.

By providing training on how to effectively use these tools, it is expected that wetland managers will not only gain a deeper understanding of the products available to them but will also be better equipped to leverage the full potential of the geoportal, mobile application, and Mapographic documents. Ultimately, the goal is for users to recognize the value of these tools and integrate them into their day-to-day wetland management practices

3.0 Objective of the workshop
The main objective of the training is to equip wetland managers and policymakers with the skills and knowledge to effectively use the WeMAST 2.0 geoportal, mobile applications, QGIS plugin, and Mapographics to improve wetland data collection, monitoring, and decision-making for sustainable wetland management.

4.0 Expected outputs
The training is expected to achieve the following:

1. Improved Wetland Data Collection and Validation: Enhanced capacity for wetland managers to efficiently collect and validate field data using the mobile application and the QGIS plugin, ensuring high-quality, real-time data for wetland monitoring.
2. Enhanced Wetland Monitoring and Management: Increased ability of users to effectively monitor wetland health over time through the WeMAST 2.0 geoportal, using its suite of monitoring tools to track changes in wetland conditions and address emerging issues promptly.
3. Targeted Policy Recommendations: Understanding of Mapographics as policy briefs, providing clear, concise, and data-driven insights to support decision-making, enabling policymakers to take informed actions for the protection and sustainable management of wetlands.
4. Increased User Adoption of the Geoportal and Tools: Greater familiarity and confidence among users in utilizing the WeMAST 2.0 geoportal, mobile application, and QGIS plugin, leading to widespread integration of these tools into routine wetland management practices.
5. Capacity Building for Wetland Managers and Policymakers: Strengthened technical capacity of both wetland managers and policymakers through comprehensive training, leading to improved wetland management outcomes, better policy formulation, and more effective enforcement of conservation practices.

5.0 Target Stakeholders
For this planned user training, the target is to have 50-100 participants from the following key stakeholders’ groups:

• Government officials from relevant ministries, e.g. Environment and Water
• National water/environmental authorities
• Research and academic institutions
• NGOs/CBOs
• Local community’s representatives
• Conservation authorities
• Private sector
• Women in natural resources and water management
• 6.0 Mode of Training

The training will be held online via a video-conference platform. A training-kit, comprising a set of documents, will be handed over to participants during the training. The training materials will also be available and accessible for free on the GMES & Africa digital E-training platform.

Online Training Link: (Insert Link)
Please register here https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ab84ea32-945e-4bbb-9cc7-d2d956730076@7aa782da-1011-4a48-ae53-fd072c461921

Deadline for registration is 20th November 2024

Women’s participation is strongly encouraged.