The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) convened a Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Workshop


The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) convened a Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting Workshop to strengthen regional capacity in the use of geospatial technologies and Earth observation data for biodiversity conservation.
The meeting brought together participants from government institutions, research organizations, academia, and non-governmental organizations to deliberate on challenges and opportunities in biodiversity monitoring across Africa.
The workshop was graced by Cabinet Secretary Deborah Baraza as the guest speaker.
In her keynote address, she emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making in addressing biodiversity loss. “Reliable and timely biodiversity data is essential for informed policy formulation, sustainable development planning, and the protection of our natural heritage,” she noted, calling for stronger collaboration between technical institutions and policymakers.
Discussions highlighted the need for standardized biodiversity monitoring frameworks aligned with national priorities and international commitments, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals. Participants identified persistent gaps in baseline data, limited integration of field and satellite observations, and challenges in translating technical outputs into decision-ready information.
The workshop further underscored the value of remote sensing and GIS in habitat mapping, land-use change detection, and ecosystem monitoring. It concluded with recommendations to strengthen capacity building, promote data sharing, and enhance institutional collaboration through RCMRD-led initiatives to support evidence-based biodiversity conservation and sustainable development

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