Digital Earth Africa will transform the continent’s capacity to process and analyse satellite data for better decision making across many areas, including water, forest and coastal resource management, agriculture, and urban development supporting the sustainable development of Africa, improving the lives of every African citizen.
 
From sustainably managing the environment and mitigating climate change to developing resources and unleashing agricultural potential, Africa must overcome a number of challenges to meet the needs of its fast growing population, in a time of increased climate variability.
 
Digital Earth Africa will improve understanding of Africa’s changing landscape, providing much-needed insights, knowledge and analysis for more informed, strategic and inclusive decision-making across the continent.
 
Building on the Africa Regional Data Cube and the Digital Earth Australia program, developed by Geoscience Australia, Digital Earth Africa will use data cube technology to translate over 30 years of Earth observation satellite imagery into information and insights on the changing African landscape and coastline.
 
Digital Earth Africa will use Open Data Cube technology that underpins Digital Earth Australia and the Africa Regional Data Cube. The Open Data Cube (ODC) is a global initiative to increase the value and use of satellite data by providing users with access to free and open data management technologies and analysis platforms.
 
My thanks to all governments and colleagues in GEO for their excellent work. Details at
http://www.ga.gov.au/digitalearthafrica
 
This year is a very important year for GEO with lot of key activities including the GEO 2020-2022 Work Programme [1], strengthened focus on Global South, continued implementation of GEOSS and the GEO Ministerial in Australia.
 
We look forward to your active participation in GEO.
 
Best wishes,
 
Suchith
 
[1] https://www.earthobservations.org/geoss_wp.php