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

This resource includes the materials shown during Session 2 of Day 3 at the 2024 Integrated Workshop and Capacity Building Training, which focused on national examples and strategies for involving local communities in Earth Observation projects. Session description This session focused on South African national initiatives and a range of impacts, with a focus on approaches to empower local capacity and build partnership across institutions. Science council and government agency presenters on space technology, digital transformations and skills development programmes were heard to discuss how to empower Earth Observation applications for sustainable development. Session Chair• Ms Tshisi Mphaphuli, Earth Observations Infrastructure CoP Chair, NEOSS Speakers • Unlocking the power of space technology for sustainable development, Ms Asanda Sangoni / Dr Nale Mudau, Earth Observation Directorate, SANSA• Advancing sustainable development through collaboration: The role of SAEON, Mr Leo Chiloaene, Manager, Uwazi Node, South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)• Enhancing sustainable agriculture for impactful research and development initiatives: The role of ARC, Prof Solomon Newete, Agricultural Research Council (ARC)• Leveraging digital technologies and data analytics to enhance agricultural practices, Dr Moses Cho, Remote Sensing Scientist, Precision Agriculture, CSIR• Driving technological innovation for sustainable development: The role of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Ms Malese Ndhlovu, Manager, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)• Space for Innovation Skills Development Fund, Mr Koena Motloi, Director, Business Advancement, National Research Foundation (NRF)