EOCap4Africa

Earth Observation in Africa: Capacity Development for the Preservation of Ecosystems and their Services

About the Project

The goal of the project “Earth Observation in Africa: Capacity Development for the Preservation of Ecosystems and Their Services” (EOCap4Africa) is to strengthen the capabilities of future conservation managers in applying remote sensing data for the protection and sustainable use of ecosystems, with a particular focus on wetlands and their ecosystem services.

We are developing a curriculum in close collaboration with African partners from the higher education sector. The idea is to disseminate knowledge about the potential of remote sensing data through students in relevant academic programs and to increase its application in the medium term.

Furthermore, the project adopts an approach that involves both senior and junior scientists, as well as other users, in Earth observation activities with the African partners. This ensures both academic excellence in developing the module and enhances the capacities of young researchers, while promoting knowledge and experience exchange.

Following the partner workshop in May 2024, the development of questionnaires will continue intensively to gather valuable insights and integrate feedback. Subsequently, the module development process will proceed, incorporating innovative teaching content and interactive elements (e.g., instructional videos, interactive questionnaires) to create an engaging learning experience.

Funding and Project Coordinators

The EOCap4Africa project is coordinated by the Chair of Remote Sensing (Dr. Insa Otte) at the Institute of Geography and Geology at the Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU). It is funded by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) with resources from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) under the funding code 3523811500.

Julius-Maximillians-University Würzburg

German Aerospace Centre (DLR)

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV)

Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN)

Remote Sensing Department

at the University of Würzburg,
Institute of Geography and Geology

Oswald-Külpe-Weg 86
97074 Würzburg