3rd Communities of Practice (CoP) Integrated Workshop 2025 - Session 2

This resource contains the materials presented during Session 2 of the CoP Integrated Workshop 2025, which focused on the outcomes of South Africa's Earth Observations Maturity Indicator (EOMI) assessment process. Session description This session presented the outcomes of the EO Maturity Indicator (EOMI) process, which assessed South Africa's Earth Observation capabilities across key dimensions including policy and institutional frameworks, infrastructure and technical systems, and ecosystem and stakeholder engagement developed by Euroconsult in consultation with the EO community. The EOMI provided a structured approach for understanding national strengths and identifying areas where further development is required to strengthen the EO ecosystem. Presentations highlighted global perspectives on the maturity framework as well as South Africa's progress across the three pillars of policy and institutional arrangements, infrastructure and technical systems, and stakeholder engagement. The session aimed to support informed planning and collaboration to advance the operational use of Earth Observation in addressing national priorities and societal challenges. Moderator• Ndilisa Didiza, Co-Chair, Agriculture and Food Security CoP and CEO, Kgothatso Innovations Speakers• EO Maturity Indicator Overview – Global Perspective – Dr Ernest Acheampong, Capacity Development Coordinator, GEO Secretariat• Pillar 1: Policy and Institutional Frameworks – Tumisang Modiole, Director, Earth Observations, DSTI• Pillar 2: Infrastructure and Technical Systems – Dr Stewart Bernard, Natural Capital Accounting CoP Co-Chair and EO Consultant• Pillar 3: Ecosystem and Stakeholder Engagement – Imraan Saloojee, Natural Capital Accounting Co-Chair and Executive Director, RIIS Panelists• Dr Ernest Acheampong, GEO Secretariat• Tumisang Modiole, DSTI• Imraan Saloojee, RIIS• Dr Stewart Bernard, Natural Capital Accounting CoP• Phila Sibandze, University of Fort Hare and Co-Chair of CE and Natural Resources Management• Lesetja Mogoba, Space Committee and ZASpace