2nd Communities of Practice (CoP) Integrated Workshop and Training 2024 - Day 3, Opening Session

This resource includes the materials shared during the Opening Session of Day 3 at the 2024 Integrated Workshop and Capacity Building Training. The session brought together various Communities of Practice (CoPs) for focused conversations on strengthening Earth Observation uptake and applications across South Africa. Session description:The Opening Session of the CoP Integrated Workshop outlined the goals for the workshop and offered high-level reflections on collaboration, technology adoption, and emerging EO applications. Speakers from government, industry, and academia touched on topics such as cloud storage for EO data management, new developments in EO payloads, improved data access, and how EO supports sustainable finance. Their contributions helped frame the discussions that followed, particularly the panels aimed at connecting technological advances with local priorities. Session Chair: Adv Lulu Makapela, NEOSS Speakers Opening Segment • Introduction to the workshop objectives and overview of the agenda, Adv Lulu Makapela, NEOSS High-Level Presentation  Collaboration to enhance the local uptake of Earth Observation technologies, Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, DDG and GEO Principal, DSI The critical role of cloud storage for Earth Observation data management, Mr Avin Mansookram, Director, MFTZA Advancements and applications of Earth Observation payloads – Ms Ana-Mia Louw, Operations Manager, Simera Sense Empowering uptake through enhanced access to Earth Observation data and knowledge, Mr Phila Sibandze, Lecturer, UFH The role of Earth Observation in ensuring transparency and accountability in sustainable finance, Ms Songo Didiza, Founder and Managing Partner, Green Building Group