The government of Zimbabwe called on African countries to take part in the Group of Earth Observation activities as they are of 'critical value' to the African continent due to issues of climate change, drought and flood are affecting Africa.
The Minister of Policy Coordination and Promotion of Socio-Economic Ventures in the Office of the President, Mr. Simon Khaya Moyo, who officially opened the inaugural AfriGEOSS Symposium in Victoria Falls, said “we are aware that Earth Observation science stand out as a key knowledge area for the 21st century. The Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable socio-Economic transformation is founded on scientific evidence-based decision making. GEO Earth Observation is its core”.
The Symposium discussions focussed on ensuring AfriGEOSS activities and Earth Observations respond to the broader African agenda enunciated in the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the recently adopted African Space Policy and Strategy. The Monitoring for Environment and Security for Africa (MESA) project took part in the symposium. Three presentations, panel discussions, and exhibitions on what MESA is contributing to Africa and achievements of capacity development in the area of Earth Observation.
Participants at the symposium, that include the Research Council of Zimbabwe and the University of Zimbabwe, re-affirmed their commitment to research more on applications of Earth Observation technologies. The University of Zimbabwe is one of the capacity building partners of the Monitoring and Environment and Security in Africa (MESA Project).
The AfriGEOSS symposium which was held from 26 to 29 April 2016, discussed earth observations' response to societal challenges, environment, agriculture, sustainable forest management and private sector engagement.