Advancing Earth Observations for Climate Adaptation: SA's Role in GEO

The 2024 GEO Symposium and Open Data & Open Knowledge (ODOK) Workshop took place from 23–26 September in Hangzhou, China, marking a critical moment for the global Earth observation (EO) community. Under the theme "From Vision to Action: Crafting GEO’s Post-2025 Implementation Plan," the event gathered leading experts, governments, and organisations to shape the future of EO and its application in addressing global challenges, particularly climate change.

As one of the four GEO Co-Chairs, South Africa holds a significant leadership position within the GEO framework. South Africa’s delegation, including Ms. Tinyiko Ntshongwana of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and Adv Lulu Makapela, represented the country on the Programme Board. This board oversees the establishment and execution of GEO’s multi-year Work Programmes, which are essential in coordinating international EO efforts.

DSI and NEOSS Colleagues
Photo: Tumisang Modiole (DSTI),  Muhammad Oumar (DSTI),  Tinyiko Ntshongwana (DTSI),  Lulu Makapela (DSTINEOSS-CSIR),  Tshisikhawe Mphaphuli (Eskom Holdings)

 

The National Earth Observation and Space Secretariat (NEOSS) of South Africa, an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), managed and hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), played a pivotal role in these discussions. NEOSS contributed to several key panels, presenting on how to empower knowledge through the GEO Knowledge Hub and showcased the potential of Earth Observation (EO) to drive climate adaptation and resilience.

Shaping GEO’s Post-2025 Strategy

The symposium focused on advancing the implementation of GEO’s Post-2025 strategy, ensuring that EO data remains accessible and useful globally to address sustainability and climate challenges. A key outcome was the development of a transformative and costed implementation plan that leverages GEO’s integrated, co-designed data products.

With a focus on user-driven services, the symposium facilitated discussions on how EO data can support decision-making in sectors like agriculture, land use, disaster risk management, and urban planning. The event further strengthened collaboration among GEO members and underscored the role of EO in tackling climate change, particularly in the Global South.

South Africa Moderates Critical Panel on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)

A highlight of NEOSS’s participation was a session on Co-developing National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), moderated by CSIR’s Manager, for NEOSS Adv. Lulu Makapela. The panel featured experts including Tshisikhawe Mphaphuli, Chief Scientist at Eskom and Co-Chair for the SAGEO Community of Practice (CoP) on Earth Observation Infrastructure. Other prominent speakers included:

  • T. Motsomi Maletjane, Team Lead for the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) and NAP at the Adaptation Unit, UNFCCC Secretariat.
  • Esther Makabe, Capacity Development Coordinator for GEOGLAM at the GEOGLAM Secretariat.
  • Sara Minelli, Programme Officer at the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
  • Fabian Rackelmann, Research Associate at the United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS).

The NAP process, initiated at COP 16 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and reinforced by the Paris Agreement, supports Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and other developing nations in identifying medium- to long-term climate adaptation needs. The session highlighted the integration of EO into NAPs as a game-changer for countries looking to prioritise adaptation strategies, monitor climate impacts, and develop early warning systems. The discussions also emphasized the importance of skill training and transfer among countries that have already implemented National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Participants highlighted the need for a platform to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, lessons learned, and indigenous practices. This exchange of expertise aims to support countries in swiftly implementing NAPs and enhancing their resilience and recovery strategies in response to climate-related hazards.

In her remarks, Tshisi Mphaphuli highlighted the significance of the SAGeo capacity-building platform in transferring knowledge and skills on climate change and National Adaptation Plans (NAP). She believes this platform will greatly benefit the country and accelerate the implementation of NAP across nine strategic interventions. Furthermore, she advocated for the creation of a Geo Information Hub at both national and regional levels to enhance the sharing of knowledge, data, skills, and lessons learned.

South Africa’s Engagement at the ODOK Workshop

In addition to her role in the symposium, Adv. Lulu Makapela engaged in discussions at the ODOK Workshop, presenting on the topic "Empowering Uptake of the GEO Knowledge Hub in South Africa." This presentation focused on enhancing awareness and accessibility of the GEO Knowledge Hub, emphasising its importance in supporting decision-makers with relevant data and insights.

The discussions centred around strategies for encouraging the use of the GEO Knowledge Hub within South Africa and region to promote collaborative efforts to strengthen local capacities in utilising EO data for climate adaptation and sustainable development.

From Planning to Implementation: Overcoming Challenges in Climate Adaptation

A central theme of the panel was the ongoing transition from NAP planning to implementation, with funding challenges being a significant hurdle for many developing countries. The panel emphasised the need for EO to bridge the gap between planning and execution by providing reliable data to help governments make informed decisions, identify vulnerable areas, and monitor the effectiveness of adaptation actions.

The discussions reinforced the importance of integrating EO into NAPs, helping nations meet their international climate commitments and improve resilience to the adverse effects of climate change.

Building Open Data and Knowledge Networks

The ODOK Workshop stressed the critical need for open data policies to drive inclusivity, transparency, and innovation in EO applications. The workshop focused on creating open data ecosystems to support EO-driven solutions for climate monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable urban development.

Participants explored strategies for co-creating knowledge, developing collaborative products, and ensuring equitable access to Earth Observation (EO) data, particularly in developing regions where limited data access can impede climate action. The discussions reinforced the need for national and regional geo-hubs as vehicles for countries to harness valuable information and technical knowledge that will accelerate implementation. Geo-AI technology was presented as a critical catalyst, enabling geo-intelligent systems that empower decision-makers to base their climate adaptation actions on scientific insights. 

South Africa ’s Contribution: Leadership and Collaboration

South Africa   played an instrumental role in both the GEO Symposium and ODOK Workshop. Through its leadership in key panels and discussions, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging EO for sustainable development and climate resilience. The CSIR’s management of this initiative ensures technical excellence and strategic alignment with national and global priorities. Key contributions included:

  • Advancing Global Collaboration: By moderating discussions on integrating EO into NAPs, South Africa helped foster stronger ties between regional and national GEOs, enabling more effective adaptation strategies.
  • Showcasing Technical Expertise: The participation of South Africa's experts underscored the nation’s leadership in advancing Earth Observation (EO) infrastructure, showcasing how South Africa's technical capabilities can drive climate adaptation initiatives across Africa.
  • Strengthening South Africa’s Role in Global EO Governance: South Africa’s active role at the GEO Symposium solidified South Africa’s position as a leader in using EO for climate resilience, contributing to national and international policy discussions and setting a strong example for the region.

Future outlook 

The 2024 GEO Symposium and ODOK Workshop underscored the critical role of Earth observations in addressing global challenges, particularly in climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. South Africa’s participation showcased South Africa’s leadership in using EO to drive sustainable development and resilience building.

As the world shifts towards a Post-2025 GEO strategy, the integration of EO into national and regional adaptation plans will be essential for achieving international climate goals. Through its active involvement in these global forums, NEOSS, an initiative funded by the DSI continues to working closely with the SA-GEO Communities of Practices in ensuring that the benefits of EO are realised across South Africa and enhancing resilience and securing a sustainable future.