There is a need for strong institutional arrangements, a conducive policy environment, infrastructure, investments and meaningful collaborations for Namibia to fully reap from societal benefits derived from Earth Observations.
This according to General Manager of Innovation and Technology Development at the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) Lovisa Immanuel, includes improved decision making in areas of disasters risk management, water resources management, sustainable agriculture, energy and mineral resources.
Immanuel in her remarks on Wednesday during the opening of the 7th African Group on Earth Observations (AfriGEO) Symposium taking place in Swakopmund, also emphasised the need for a national system of innovation that can support the diffusion of new technologies related to Earth Observation.
“The NCRST stands ready to create and maintain a conducive environment between students and researchers, policymakers, industry, start-ups, the diaspora, as well as local and international partners in order to harness earth observation capabilities for Namibia’s development,” she expressed.
AfriGEO is a Pan-African initiative of the African community aimed at providing a coordination framework and platform for Africa’s participation in Group on Earth Observations.
The symposium, which is being hosted in Namibia for the first time, kicked off on Monday and is being attended by about 20 different African countries and beyond, who are involved in the 3-parallel pre-symposium trainings hosted by the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Digital Earth Africa and GEO Land Degradation Neutrality Flagship.
Director of Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education, Training and Innovation (MHETI), Dr Lisho Mundia highlighted the importance of Namibia hosting the symposium, adding that it is critical because the country has dedicated this year to kick-start critical activities that position its Space Science and Technology agenda.
Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope in his welcoming remarks expressed contentment with the fact that the conference will also have a presentation on the issue of green energy, given the region’s current status of the implementation of the green hydrogen projects.
“By exploring Earth’s intricate processes, studying emerging technologies, and harnessing insightful data, stakeholders can collectively pave the way for solutions that drive sustainable development and uplift Africa’s communities,” he noted.
The symposium which ends on Friday, is taking place under the theme ‘Earth’s Observation for Africa’s Prosperity’.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency