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RCMRD Champions the Use of Copernicus Earth Observation Data for Sustainable Development
Climate variability, land degradation, and food insecurity are becoming increasingly pressing
issues across Africa, timely, accurate, and actionable data has never been more crucial.
Recognizing this, the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), in
partnership with the European Commission, has enhanced data-driven decision-making through
the Copernicus Earth Observation Programme under the GMES and Africa initiative.
From 23 rd - 25 th April, RCMRD in collaboration Copernicus Programme facilitated a webinar aimed at building the capacity of stakeholders across the continent in accessing and applying Copernicus data to support land degradation action, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and land resource management themed “Copernicus for Land Degradation, Agriculture & Food Security,” is not just a training—it’s a strategic investment in Africa’s future resilience.
Copernicus, the European Union’s flagship Earth observation programme, offers an unparalleled wealth of freely accessible satellite data that can monitor the planet in near real-time. For African nations grappling with challenges like drought, desertification, deforestation, and food insecurity, Copernicus provides the tools needed to respond with precision, speed, and foresight.
In the webinar’s highlight session, participants engaged in a hands-on demonstration on how to access and utilize Copernicus data specifically for land degradation assessments and agricultural monitoring. This practical experience is vital for national and sub-national agencies that need reliable geospatial information to inform climate-smart policies and sustainable land-use planning and support evidence-based planning.
Access to high-resolution satellite imagery and environmental data empowers institutions to monitor ecosystems in near real-time, identify priority intervention areas, and align policy responses with evolving environmental conditions.
As an implementing partner of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa (GMES and Africa) initiative, RCMRD serves as a regional hub for Earth observation services. Through its Land Degradation Monitoring and Assessment (LDMA) and Wetlands Monitoring services, RCMRD has been instrumental in translating Copernicus data into accessible, policy- ready products that support climate resilience across more than 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
By facilitating access to Copernicus data and enhancing the technical capacity of users, RCMRD is bridging the gap between Earth observation technology and real-world applications. The use of EO data is helping stakeholders across Africa to make better, faster, and more informed decisions in agriculture, land management, and environmental planning.
From providing Land Degradation Index Maps (LDIM) to national reforestation programs, to supporting the monitoring of wetlands, forests, and crop health, RCMRD is at the forefront of leveraging EO data for the continent’s most urgent environmental priorities. As climate impacts intensify, the ability to access, process, and apply satellite data will define the success of adaptation and mitigation strategies across Africa.
Through continued engagement and partnerships like GMES and Africa, RCMRD is not only promoting Copernicus data—it is transforming it into a vital public good for the continent’s future.
From 23 rd - 25 th April, RCMRD in collaboration Copernicus Programme facilitated a webinar aimed at building the capacity of stakeholders across the continent in accessing and applying Copernicus data to support land degradation action, climate action, sustainable agriculture, and land resource management themed “Copernicus for Land Degradation, Agriculture & Food Security,” is not just a training—it’s a strategic investment in Africa’s future resilience.
Copernicus, the European Union’s flagship Earth observation programme, offers an unparalleled wealth of freely accessible satellite data that can monitor the planet in near real-time. For African nations grappling with challenges like drought, desertification, deforestation, and food insecurity, Copernicus provides the tools needed to respond with precision, speed, and foresight.
In the webinar’s highlight session, participants engaged in a hands-on demonstration on how to access and utilize Copernicus data specifically for land degradation assessments and agricultural monitoring. This practical experience is vital for national and sub-national agencies that need reliable geospatial information to inform climate-smart policies and sustainable land-use planning and support evidence-based planning.
Access to high-resolution satellite imagery and environmental data empowers institutions to monitor ecosystems in near real-time, identify priority intervention areas, and align policy responses with evolving environmental conditions.
As an implementing partner of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security and Africa (GMES and Africa) initiative, RCMRD serves as a regional hub for Earth observation services. Through its Land Degradation Monitoring and Assessment (LDMA) and Wetlands Monitoring services, RCMRD has been instrumental in translating Copernicus data into accessible, policy- ready products that support climate resilience across more than 20 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
By facilitating access to Copernicus data and enhancing the technical capacity of users, RCMRD is bridging the gap between Earth observation technology and real-world applications. The use of EO data is helping stakeholders across Africa to make better, faster, and more informed decisions in agriculture, land management, and environmental planning.
From providing Land Degradation Index Maps (LDIM) to national reforestation programs, to supporting the monitoring of wetlands, forests, and crop health, RCMRD is at the forefront of leveraging EO data for the continent’s most urgent environmental priorities. As climate impacts intensify, the ability to access, process, and apply satellite data will define the success of adaptation and mitigation strategies across Africa.
Through continued engagement and partnerships like GMES and Africa, RCMRD is not only promoting Copernicus data—it is transforming it into a vital public good for the continent’s future.
