1. South African Group on Earth Observation National Contribution to GEO Lerato Senoko Director: Earth Observations Department of Science and Technology; RSA 27 April 2016, Elephant Hills Hotel Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

2. South African Earth Observation Strategy In 2005, South African government took an initiative to engage with the international community in promoting an integrated global Earth observation system. A consultation process with all national Earth Observation stakeholders resulted in the South African Earth Observation Strategy (SAEOS)

3. SAEOS Objectives The strategy captures South Africa’s response to the Global Earth Observation Systems of Systems (GEOSS); SAEOS will provide a geospatial infrastructure to coordinate the collection, assimilation and dissemination of earth observation data; SAEOS will establish an overarching national framework for Earth observation in South Africa.

4. SAEOS was approved by Cabinet in 2007, Supports policy, decision-making, economic growth and sustainable development in South Africa. Creates a framework for coordinating and integrating South Africa’s various existing EO capacities, Acts as a centralisation of existing broad and diverse activities in the Earth observations domain. Adds a minimalist layer of coordination and cooperation through the establishment of SA-GEO SAEOS Cont……

6. National Earth Observation and Space Secretariat establishment Established an office in 2011 Budget : $350 000 pa (2011-2014) –3 personnel –Office space –Mobilise EO community 100 members (EO practitioners and decision) Created CoP’s Host meetings, workshops, training session and an annual symposium Mobility fund to attend meetings, workshops and training

7. Sector Participation in SA-GEO

9. Benefits of SA-GEO Continuous participation on national and global GEO activities Sharing of data and project work (Cost saving) Allow for innovation and joint projects Advocate the need for data sharing Buy-in from SA-GEO stakeholders –Own funded participation (national and international platforms) –Ownership of CoP’s (shared)

10. 10 Thank you!