Dear Newsletter Recipients: You are welcome to share information from the newsletter with colleagues. If you do so, I ask that you mention that the newsletter was the source for the information. Thank you. Kate -------------------------------------------------------------------- SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE AFRICA UPDATE VOL 2, NO. 9 - 07 AUGUST 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Spatial Data Infrastructure Africa (SDI-Africa) is a free email newsletter for people interested in GIS, remote sensing, and data management issues in Africa. To subscribe to SDI Africa, unsubscribe, or change your email address, contact: klance@usgs.gov If you're subscribing, please indicate your institutional affiliation and how you learned about the SDI-Africa newsletter. I began putting information into a newsletter in an effort to provide information to colleagues in Africa (particularly since surfing the web can be costly in Africa). I am involved in a number of projects that aim to build SDI capacity in Africa; however, there is no project or organization that is called SDI Africa. I will send out issues as time permits. If you have news or information related to GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data infrastructure (e.g., workshop announcements, publications, reports, websites of interest, etc.), kindly send me the materials so that I can include them in the newsletter. This will ensure that issues are sent more frequently. The newsletter depends upon your continued interest and input. You are welcome to forward this message onto colleagues who may find the information useful. However, if you do so, please indicate that the SDI Africa newsletter was the source of the information. Please include my contact information provided at the bottom of this message so that others will know about the newsletter and subscribe themselves. Back issues of the newsletter are at the GSDI and GISD websites: GSDI: http://www.gsdi.org (go to GSDI newsletters) GISD: http://www.opengis.org/gisd/sdi_news.htm Best regards, Kate Please note: Some long URLs (internet addresses) may occupy 2 lines. In that case, copy both lines into your browser. -------------------------------------------------------------------- INPUT TO THIS ISSUE -------------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to Yekini Biodun Anifowose, Federal University of Technology (Nigeria); Michael Hales, CEOS/NOAA (USA); Lira Molapo, Committee on Environmental Data Management - CEDAMA (Lesotho); Zablon Masele, Surveys and Mapping Division - SMD (Tanzania); Elifuraha Gerard Mtalo, UCLAS (Tanzania); Michele A. Schilling, Center for GIS, National University of Rwanda - NCGIS-NUR (Rwanda); and Richard Sliuzas, ITC (Netherlands), and Gray Tappan, USGS/EROS Data Center (USA) for their contributions to this issue of the newsletter. -------------------------------------------------------------------- SDI NEWS, LINKS, PAPERS, PRESENTATIONS - HAVE YOU READ? -------------------------------------------------------------------- Register for AFRICAGIS '03 [Nov. 4-8, 2003, Dakar, Senegal] http://213.154.74.37/agis2003/default.htm (francais) http://www.eis-africa.org/events_africaGIS.htm (english) Submit an abstract for GSDI7 7th Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Conference, Feb. 2-6, 2004, Bangalore, India. Revised deadline for submitting abstracts Sept. 30, 2003, http://www.gsdi.org/GSDI7/Gsdi7FirstAnnouncementFinal.pdf http://wwwlmu.jrc.it/Workshops/9ec-gis/papers/funding_xirgu.pdf Generating Metadata: saving money in the organizations The main purpose of this study is to quantify the final costs and benefits in the process of geographic metadata creation. The study is focussed on the personnel involved in the process: hours invested, directly or indirectly, and salaries. Also it considers the personnel training concerning the program and the standard. The paper tries to demonstrate that the process of metadata creation is not as expensive as expected, and it can generate savings. -- SDI update from Tanzania http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/tanzania_SDI_workshop_proceedings_may_2003.do c Proceedings of the Sensitization workshop on National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI), UCLAS, Dar es Salaam, 19th - 20th May 2003. The workshop was well attended by participants from different Government Institutions, NGOs, Academics, researchers and the private sector. -- SDI update from Lesotho http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/HistoryCEDAMA.doc Brief History of the Committee on Environmental Data Management (CEDAMA). As a response to the problems relating to data management (storage, exchange, standards etc), the Committee on Environmental Data Management(CEDAMA) was established in February, 1999. http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/LSDIS-Vision.doc Lesotho's Sustainable Development Information Systems (LSDIS): Vision Guiding Principles, Situation Analysis, and How do we intend to move forward? Figure 1 in this document depicts the proposed flow of information between various institutions/structures - SDI update from Algeria http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/GINIE_Algeria.ppt [from http://wwwlmu.jrc.it/ginie/mediterranean_ws/index.html] The Geographic Information Situation in Algeria, presented by Ahmed Ayad, National Council of Geographic Information at the GINIE Workshop on Geographic Information in the Mediterranean Region, 10-11 April 2003. The National Council of Geographic Information (NCGI), created in 1996, is responsible for defining and promoting a national policy of Geographic Information and to integrate it in the overall step relating to the Information Society. http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/CEOS_newsletter_excerpt.doc http://www.ceos.org/pdfs/CEOS_NL20.pdf http://www.ceos.org/ CEOS Launches World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Follow-up Programme. Currently, Modules 1 (education, training and capacity building) and 2 (water resource management) are underway, with workshops planned in Africa to take place October 2-3 in Stellenbosch, South Africa, and October 6-7 in Rabat, Morocco, respectively. There will also be a CEOS Data Policy Workshop in Graz, Austria, September 12th, for data related to Earth Observation Education and Training. The goal of this one-day workshop will be to finalize a set of data principles established specifically for Earth Observation Education and Training purposes. http://www.fig.net/figtree/pub/fig_2003/TS_16/TS16_1_Tembo_Manisa.pdf Emmanuel Tembo and Mike Manisa (Botswana): New Developments in the Establishment of the Botswana National Spatial Data Infrastructure http://www.gistec.com/presentations/Plenary%20Session/CREATING%20GIS%20-%20 A%20CASE%20STUDY%20OF%20AFRICA.zip Creating GIS for Sustainable Development: a case study of Africa. By Dr. Wilber K. Ottichilo, presented at the the 6th Annual ESRI Middle East & Africa User Conference. The conference took place on October 8-10, 2002 at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai, UAE. http://edcintl.cr.usgs.gov/sahel.html Land use/land cover training workshop just completed at AGRHYMET This workshop is one of a series of workshops that USGS/EROS Data Center has been giving at AGRHYMET under the Sahel Land Use Project. The overall background on the project is described at the EDC International Program website. This specific workshop, held July 1-11 (the fourth workshop that has been given under the project since 2000) extends the land use/land cover trends analysis from the Sahel/CILSS countries to the rest of West Africa (i.e, the non-CILSS ECOWAS countries: Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea). The workshop is the first of three for these countries. The approach is the same as the one that has been used with the Sahelian countries. The first workshop focused on using wall-to-wall Landsat imagery plus supporting thematic maps to stratify the respective countries by ecoregions. This was the main objective of this recent workshop, culminating in a draft ecoregion map of the large area represented by the non-CILSS countries. In the next workshop (January 2004), EDC will assist the country teams in the analysis of time-series imagery from 1965, 1985, and 2002 to characterize and quantify the land use and land cover trends within each ecoregion. A third workshop (mid 2004) will serve to validate results, and prepare final reports on land use and land cover trends, both at ecoregion and national levels. All time-series imagery, including wall-to-wall coverage of each period for all of West Africa, is being provided by EDC to the country teams. AGRHYMET serves as the long-term archive and distribution center. -------------------------------------------------------------------- GIS TOOLS, SOFTWARE, DATA -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://imgs.intergraph.com/newsroom/pressrelease.asp?id=159 July 21, 2003: Intergraph Advances Open Data Exchange of Geospatial Information with New GML and WFS Interoperability Extensions. Free Desktop GeoMedia Viewer to enable GML and WFS query and viewing capabilities. Intergraph Mapping and Geospatial Solutions today announced that two free interoperability extensions are available for download - the OpenGIS(R) Geographic Markup Language (GML) and the OpenGIS Web Feature Services (WFS) data servers, as well as the GML export command. These extensions are designed for any GeoMedia(R) 5.1 product. Additionally, the OpenGIS Web Map Server (WMS) adapter kit for easy creation of a WMS server is now available for GeoMedia WebMap products. To order a free copy of GeoMedia Viewer, visit http://imgs.intergraph.com/gviewer/. Professionals can also download the data servers at http://imgs.intergraph.com/interop/. http://www.gismonitor.com/news/newsletter/archive/060503.php#Everything Everything You Wanted to Know About Data Models (But Were Afraid to Ask). "Data Models. The topic either elicits a "knowing nod" or a sense of "fear and desperation" for GIS professionals. Those who give a knowing nod have either spent some time creating or are intimately involved with using one. They might even be involved with data models with national or international implications. The rest of the population, from my experience, has a vague sense of what a data model is as well as some questions about how it affects GIS work." This article aims to make both groups more comfortable by taking a hard look at GIS data models: what they are, how they are changing the marketplace, how they are changing our day-to-day work, and what they may bring in the future. http://www.iifm.org/downloads/dips Digital Image Processing Simulator (DIPS) - A Software for Teaching Digital Image Processing Concepts. DIPS is available as a free download from the DIPS website. The Digital Image Processing Simulator or DIPS is essentially a Digital Image Processing learning tool that tries to bridge this learning gap between the class and the image processing system. It has been designed in a way that it can be shared between the student and the teacher. It can be used by the teacher to conveniently explain difficult to understand fundamental image processing concepts during a lecture, while at the same time, it can also be used by the student to follow up concepts explained in the class. It is felt that the use of this software can help create a more helpful learning environment, which can facilitate concept assimilation and knowledge transference. http://www.nsif.org.za/standards/SA_Catalogue_Standard_final.pdf South African National Spatial Feature Catalogue (2001) A feature catalogue defines the types of geographical features one would find in a data set, together with their attributes and other peculiarities. This standard feature catalogue for South Africa will enable all users of geographical information systems (GISs) to have a shared understanding of the contents of geographical data sets, thereby promoting the dissemination and interoperability of data sets, and reducing confusion and misinterpretation of data. One must bear in mind that geographical data can be no more than selective, approximate models of the real world. It is necessary to differentiate between an instance of a feature and a feature type. The instance of a feature in a data set represents a discrete phenomenon in the real (or imaginary) world - that is, something specific out there that is modelled in the data set. The instance normally has coordinates and may be portrayed on a map by a particular graphic symbol. These individual feature instances are grouped into classes with common characteristics - feature types. http://www.itc.nl/library/Papers_2003/msc/gim/maphumolo.pdf Maphumulo, A. Testing portability of a proposed South African spatial feature catalog standard -------------------------------------------------------------------- GEOSPATIAL RESEARCH / APPLICATIONS / REFERNECE MATERIAL -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.imagingnotes.com/winter03/pintea.htm Monkey business -- Researchers from the Jane Goodall Institute’s Center for Primate Studies race against time to safeguard Gombe National Park’s endangered chimps. "Editor’s Note: This article is based on a paper presented by L. Pintea, M.E. Bauer, P.V. Bolstad and A. Pusey, 'Matching multiscale remote sensing data to interdisciplinary conservation needs: the case of chimpanzees in western Tanzania,' at the Pecora/Land Satellite Information IV Conference in Denver. Because Gombe National Park is located in an extremely underdeveloped, under- supported part of western Tanzania, satellite images are probably the only source of habitat information. Traditionally, subtropical areas of forest, woodland and human land uses have been difficult to map with remotely sensed imagery because settlements, farmlands and natural vegetation are highly intermixed spatially. However, high- resolution imagery promises to revolutionize our ability to visualize the environment and conduct primate socioecological research. Researchers with the Jane Goodall Institute’s (JGI) Center for Primate Studies, University of Minnesota (St. Paul, Minn.)- which cooperates with JGI in Kigoma, a Tanzanian non-governmental organization [http://www.janegoodall.org] - asked: To what extent can multitemporal, multiscale satellite images measure chimpanzee habitats? How can remote sensing data be integrated into chimpanzee research, conservation and rural development inside/outside of Gombe National Park? http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/ramsardg/casestudies/s_africa.html South Africa: uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and the National Wetlands Inventory Dr. John Dini, Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Rep. of South Africa This case study examines a pilot application in Natal Province (uKhahlamba Drakensberg NP) that was useful for developing the proposed methodology for the South Africa National Wetlands Inventory. http://www7.nationalacademies.org/usnc-codata/Senegal%20Workshop.html http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10546.html (workshop summary) Workshop on Scientific Data for Decision Making Toward Sustainable Development: Senegal River Basin Case Study This workshop examined a case study of scientific databases that have been collected or created about the Senegal River basin (in Senegal, and in the bordering countries of Mali, Mauritania, and Guinea) and used for decision making for that region. A multidisciplinary approach was used, including data and expertise in the areas of ecology, biodiversity, biology, agronomy, hydrology, meteorology, health and medical sciences, geography (GIS), computer and information sciences, and social sciences, among others. http://www.rdg.ac.uk/soil/GEFSOC/index.htm Assessment of Soil Organic Carbon Stocks and Change at National Scale (GEF-SOC). This GEF co-financed project, implemented by UNEP, aims to develop and demonstrate generic tools which quantify the impact of land management and climate scenarios on change in soil carbon stocks at national and sub-national level. The study will involve national scientists in Brazil, India, Jordan and Kenya working closely with modellers and data management groups in the United Kingdom, Austria, France, the Netherlands (ISRIC) and the USA. The project is co-ordinated by the University of Reading (UK). ISRIC's work in the project is funded by VROM. http://www.fao.org/fi/statist/fisoft/fisat/fias/generalites.htm http://www.fao.org/fi/statist/fisoft/fisat/fias/sig.htm Module SIG Le projet Système d’information et d'analyse des pêches (SIAP) pour les pays de la Commission sous-régionale des pêches (CSRP - Mauritanie, Sénégal, Gambie, Cap Vert, Guinée Bissau, Guinée). Le but du projet est de développer et mettre en oeuvre un système interdisciplinaire d'information et de gestion de la pêche en appui à la planification du secteur et à la prise de décision dans et avec les pays de la CSRP qui renforce la capacité de bonne gestion des pays de la sous-région. Les activités du module SIG ont visé un objectif principal: renforcer les capacités des instituts (outils et compétences), de manière à permettre aux décideurs et gestionnaires de la pêche maritime de la sous-région d'exploiter la dimension "géographique" des enjeux et impacts de leurs problématiques. http://www.fao.org/fi/statist/fisoft/fisat/downloads.htm FAO-ICLARM Fish Stock Assessment Tools FiSAT II -------------------------------------------------------------------- FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES / AWARDS / SUPPORT -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.shellus.com/news/relations/features/feature03-31-2003.html http://www.shelleconomistprize.com The Economist and Shell International Limited invite entries for the 'Do we need nature?' writing competition. Essays should focus on the difficult choices to be made in politics, economics, society or public policy between actions (or inactions) that seek to increase man's control over nature and those that seek to reduce it, those that seek to bypass nature and those that hope to work with it, those that put a higher value on human development and those that value the preservation or even reconstitution of nature. The prize- winning essay will receive US$20,000 and will appear in the annual publication from The Economist: The World in 2004. Essays should be 2,000 words in length (including a 300 word synopsis) and, participants must be aged 18 years and over. Deadline: August 22nd. http://www.pep-net.org/ http://132.203.59.36/PEP/Group/proposals/call.htm http://132.203.59.36/PEP/Group/proposals/call_fr.htm (francais) Poverty and Economic Policy Research Network is calling for research proposals primarily targeting researchers residing in Africa and Asia. Deadline: August 31, 2003. Specific objectives are to: Better understand the causes and consequences of poverty. Propose alternative strategies, policies and programs to reduce poverty. Improve the monitoring and measurement of poverty. Develop local research (and training) capacity in these areas. Develop new concepts and methodologies through fundamental research. http://www.swissre.com/resource RE-Source Award 2003 Swiss Re, one of the world's leading reinsurers, presented a first "RE-Source Award" in Zurich, Switzerland this March 2003. A total of 105 submissions were entered in the competition for innovative watershed management projects, which offered prize money of US$100,000. The winning project from Guatemala proposes a financing mechanism that will preserve fragile water resources. Swiss Re feels compelled to contribute to the development and implementation of sustainable water management strategies and practices. Among other water-related initiatives, Swiss Re launched the International RE-Source Award for Sustainable Watershed Management. It aims to support promising watershed management projects, from the planning and evaluation stages through to implementation. It is designed to encourage projects that promote awareness of the ecological, social and economic significance of water resources. Particular focus is placed on aspects such as improving the efficiency of water consumption, and whether the concept can also be implemented in other regions. Information on this year's award, including conditions for entry, expected deliverables and an application form, may be downloaded. All correspondence should be directed to the new e-mail address: resource_award@swissre.com. The deadline for project submissions is 31 August 2003. http://www.eifgrants.org/info/index.html Engineering Information Foundation Grants This grant activity supports developmental projects, instructional projects, and training programs in engineering education and research that fit the Foundation's fields of interest. These currently include the availability and use of published information, women in engineering, and information access in developing countries. You are encouraged to eview their recent grants to give you a better idea of the kinds of projects that interest the Foundation. They may infrequently sponsor proposals that do not fit strictly within their guidelines. In 2003 and 2004, grants are expected to be in the $5,000-$25,000 range. You are encouraged to attract a matching grant from another source. Deadline August 31. -------------------------------------------------------------------- TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES -------------------------------------------------------------------- Second National Workshop on Analysis and Presentation of Spatial Data, 18-22 August, 2003 at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. The workshop is designed to stimulate geomaticians and other GIS users towards developing and improving their skills in geospatial data analysis. Registration fee: 15,000 Naira (USD1 = 135 Naira). Contact: S.A. Ajibade gilab@fssoyo.anpa.net.ng Telephone: 234-38-240455, 234-38-240823, 234-38-240255 http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/ANNOUNCEMENT.doc http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/Application_form_BoE.doc (application) BirdLIfe South Africa is seeking applications for the Building on Experience one-year programme (with four, one-week modules). The programme is open to all staff and volunteers of Environmental and Community Based NGO's within the Republic of South Africa. This programme addresses the current role of NGOs in conservation and challenges NGO leaders in their efforts to build their organizational capacity. In today's highly competitive environment where resources for the NGO sector are limited, effective leaders and creative management are crucial. A team of preferably two people from each NGO must be nominated. They will work together in completing assignments and involving the rest of the organisation in implementing the learning. Deadline for applications: 30 Oct. 2003. http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/index.htm?regular/module.cfm?code=6 0/10 http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/index.htm?regular/module.cfm?code=6 0/20 Francophone courses on rural development: Cours en communication dans le développement rural et Cours en gestion d’un service de vulgarisation ou d’appui-conseil rural, International Agricultural Centre (IAC), the Netherlands, March/April 2004 http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/index.htm?regular/module.cfm?code=6 0/10 ICRE cours en communication dans le développement rural (60/10) Period: 15 March 2004 - 02 April 2004 http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/regular/ICREfr04.doc Brochure (Word 55 kB) http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/regular/Applicationform_ICRE2004.do c Formulaire d'admission (Word 375 kB) Ce cours traite du rôle de la communication dans le développement durable, équitable et participatif. Au cours des dernières années, ce rôle a été modifié par l'introduction de nouvelles politiques de développement rural et par les nouvelles connaissances sur les théories d'apprentissage des adultes et sur les techniques de vulgarisation. Le défi majeur pour les années à venir est d'introduire des démarches de communication plus efficientes et plus efficaces, touchant un plus grand nombre de clients et répondant mieux aux demandes de plus en plus diversifiées. L'une de ces démarches consiste à introduire l'apprentissage interactif, où différents acteurs au développement s'associent pour améliorer les conditions de vie. Ce cours est particulièrement destiné aux cadres ayant des responsabilités dans le domaine de l'élaboration et de l'exécution des politiques de développement rural axées sur la recherche participative, la communication, la vulgarisation et l'animation rurale. Il s’adresse également aux consultants et aux modérateurs qui offrent des services dans le domaine de la communication ou de la vulgarisation. http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/index.htm?regular/module.cfm?code=6 0/20 ICRE cours de perfectionnement en gestion d’un service de vulgarisation (60/20). Period: 05 April 2004 - 23 April 2004 http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/regular/ICREfr04.doc Brochure (Word 55 kB) http://www.iac.wur.nl/services/training/regular/Applicationform_ICRE2004.do c Formulaire d'admission (Word 375 kB) Ce cours traite de l'amélioration de la performance des organisations intermédiaires de développement, telles que les services de vulgarisation. Les politiques de développement ont une influence assez importante sur les systèmes de services d'appui au monde rural. Récemment, elles ont fait appel au processus de privatisation, mais aussi de libéralisation des marchés avec l'émergence de nouvelles industries et l'introduction de nouveaux acteurs. Le défi majeur des années à venir est de créer des organisations aptes à agir dans ces contextes changeants. L'une des stratégies-clés est la stimulation de l'apprentissage organisationnel. Ce cours est particulièrement destiné aux managers des services d'appui-conseil, aux ONG et à ceux qui envisagent l'amélioration des compétences et des performances de leur organisation. Le cours s’adresse également aux consultants et aux modérateurs qui offrent des services dans le domaine du renforcement des organisations de développement. Bourses Dans le cadre du Programme Néerlandais de Coopération (NFP), le gouvernement des Pays Bas accorde des bourses de scolarisation aux nationaux des pays suivants: Bénin, Burkina Faso, Cap Vert, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Rwanda, Guinée Bissau, Mozambique et Sénégal. La procédure d'allocation des bourses NFP a été modifiée. Les candidats qui veulent postuler pour une bourse doivent commencer la procédure de demande au plus vite. Les candidats doivent D'ABORD s'adresser à l'IAC pour demander l'admission au cours. Les candidats acceptés recevront une lettre de l'IAC indiquant qu'ils ont été PROVISOIREMENT acceptés. Les candidats pourront alors postuler pour une bourse NFP par l'intermédiaire de l'Ambassade néerlandaise ou du Consulat des Pays-Bas dans leur pays. Les demandes de bourse NFP devront être soumises à l'Ambassade néerlandaise avant le , B.OCTOBRE 1 2003. Renseignements complémentaires: www.iac.wageningen-ur.nl ou www.nuffic.nl Sachez que le nombre de bourses disponibles est limité. -------------------------------------------------------------------- REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST -------------------------------------------------------------------- [from FIG website] http://www.ddl.org/figtree/news/news_2003/rwanda_2003.htm Assessment of Rwanda's land registration, land information management, land-use planning and land-management systems and production of a technical and financial proposal Services Negotiated Procedure Notice from DFID DFID is seeking Expressions of Interest from Consultants to undertake an assessment of Rwanda’s land-registration, land-information management, land-use planning and land-management systems and to assist the Ministry of Lands, Resettlement and Environment (MINITERE) to produce a technical and financial proposal for the development of these systems. The technical and financial proposal will include an assessment of the information, institutional, personnel, training, technology, equipment, logistical and financial requirements and the plans and cash flow projections for the development of the abovementioned systems. The technical and financial proposal will be presented at a partner conference at the end of the contract period.The budget for the resultant contract is limited to £90,000. It is envisaged that the contract will begin by the 27th of October 2003 and finish by the 13th of February 2004. Deadline for expressions of interest is August 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/Ad_CGIS-NUR_Web_based.doc The National University of Rwanda (NUR) as part of the Rwanda Development Gateway Group (RDGG) invites applications for several positions in the recently created Center for Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing at the NUR(CGIS-NUR), for the implementation of activities related to the Rwanda Development Gateway Group. Positions include: (a) Project Coordinator, (b) Senior Remote Sensing Coordinator, (c) GIS Coordinator, (d) ICT Coordinator, (e) GIS Technician. Deadline for applications for all positions is 31 August, 2003. GIS Professional, Namibia 1 month consulting position with Hub Consulting Deadline: August 30, 2003 E-mail: admin@hubconsult.com The Formulation Mission will define the various outputs to be produced by the project in order to attain the project main objectives (Human Resources training in the full cycle of map production and Improvement of the usage of GIS in Namibia) and will define the various activities to be undertaken during the project for producing these outputs. Required qualifications: Aerial photography and production of orthophotos interpretation and field completion production and mainteance of care GIS data map editing, printing and publishing distribution and marketing DSM's products and services. Interested candidates should send their updated CVs, quoting the job reference to admin@hubconsult.com. CVs which do not quote the exact reference may not be considered. Specific geographic and sectoral experience is essential. Executive Secretary, Tunis, Tunisia http://www.unesco.org/oss/annonce_se_ang.htm http://www.unesco.org/oss/v_uk/recrutement/poste_se_ang.htm The Sahara and Sahel Observatory "OSS", is an international organisation with Head Office based in Tunis. In conformity with the OSS Statutes, the Executive Secretary is the top executive authority of the OSS. The candidate must be a university or a specialised school graduate (doctoral level or equivalent) majoring a subject in relation with the range of activities of the OSS (environment and ecology, forestry and pastoralism, socio-economics, rural development, agronomy, earth and geographical sciences) Deadline: August 30th, 2003, Project Manager (GEF International Waters), Luanda, Angola http://www.un.org/Depts/Cartographic/map/other/okavango.pdf Deadline for applications: 12 August 2003 The Land and Water Development Division is seeking to recruit a manager to lead a Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project Environmental Protection and Sustainable Management of the Okavango River Basin. The Project Manager will lead the Project Management Unit in Luanda for a period of three years. The position will entail frequent travel to Botswana and Namibia as well as internal travel in Angola. The project is implemented by UNDP, on behalf of the GEF, in support of the Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM). The GEF provides funds to developing countries and countries in transition for projects addressing global environmental issues, including shared freshwater resources. FAO is executing the project for UNDP, an implementing agency of the GEF. The project document can be viewed at: http://gefweb.org/Documents/Project_Proposals_for_Endorsem/project_proposal s_for_endorsem.html Objective of the Project - To prepare a transboundary diagnostic analysis of hydro-environmental threats and to formulate a strategic action programme to facilitate joint management of the water resources of the Okavango River Basin and the protection of its linked aquatic ecosystems and biological diversity. E-Mail: Land-and-Water@fao.org River Basin Planner (GEF International Waters), Luanda, Angola Deadline for applications: 12 August 2003 The Land and Water Development Division is seeking to recruit a River Basin Planner for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project 'Environmental Protection and Sustainable Management of the Okavango River Basin'. The River Basin Planner will be based at the Project Management Unit in Luanda for a period of eighteen months and will be directly responsible for completing a transboundary diagnostic analysis (TDA) of the basin. The position will entail frequent travel to Botswana and Namibia as well as internal travel in Angola. The project is implemented by UNDP, on behalf of the GEF, in support of the Permanent Okavango River Basin Commission (OKACOM). The GEF provides funds to developing countries and countries in transition for projects addressing global environmental issues, including shared freshwater resources. FAO is executing the project for UNDP, an implementing agency of the GEF. The project document can be viewed at: http://gefweb.org/Documents/Project_Proposals_for_Endorsem/project_proposal s_for_endorsem.html E-Mail: Land-and-Water@fao.org http://www.ramsar.org/w.n.vacancy_ramsar_africa_2003.htm http://www.ramsar.org/w.n.vacancy_ramsar_africa_2003.doc The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands (the Ramsar Bureau) invites applications for the position of Regional Coordinator for Africa. Must be a citizen of an African country. A minimum of ten years' professional experience in environmental conservation and sustainable use / sustainable development issues, preferably related to wetland habitats; Excellent command of, and fluency in, written and spoken English and at least a working knowledge of French. The Ramsar Bureau plans to finalize the selection process not later than 10 August 2003. The starting date would be 1 October 2003 or as soon as possible thereafter. Advisor for Communication and Information in Maghreb, Rabat, Morocco http://recrutweb.unesco.org/pdf/MORCI0003.PDF Deadline: 28 August 2003; Grade P-3; Post number AR/RP/MOR/CI/0003 Purpose of post Under the authority of the UNESCO Rabat Office Director and in collaboration with the Director of the Communication Development Division, the incumbent will plan and implement project activities relating to all aspects of the Communication Development programme in the Maghreb region. Technical Advisor, Wildlife Conservation Society, Kigale, Rwanda The Wildlife Conservation Society is seeking an enthusiastic individual to act as Technical Advisor to support the project: Restoration of Conservation Capacity for the Biodiversity Values of the Protected Areas in Rwanda. The project will seek to prepare a UNDP-funded Global Environment Facility (GEF) PDF-B project in Rwanda. This full GEF project proposal will be designed to ensure the conservation of Rwanda's biological diversity through support to the strengthening of the national protected area system, its technical and financial sustainability, and its cooperative links to local, national and regional constituents. Term of appointment: 1 year, to commence approximately October 2003 and to be based in Kigale, Rwanda. Responsibilities to include: management of staff in the Project Coordination Unit; recruitment; management of short-term consultants; management of workshops and study tours; procurement of equipment (using UN modalities); facilitating task forces, financial and technical reporting. The candidate should have a minimum of 3 years experience in natural resources project management and planning. For further details or to make an application (cover letter and CV) contact Dr. Graeme Patterson, WCS Africa Program, wcsafrica@wcs.org; subject heading: RWANGEF). http://www.irgltd.com Land Use Planning Specialist, Madagascar Collaborate with the project team in reviewing the national forest zoning exercise in Madagascar, including the confirmation or reclassification of forest zones. Assist in identifying the land that could be made available for private sector or community-based plantations. Play a leading role in elaborating detailed forest resource maps with appropriate scales at local and regional levels, which include field-based participatory inputs. Assist in priority setting exercises for protected areas and other conservation frameworks. Play key role in refining and updating geo-referenced databases on the evolution of forest cover and in developing new forest cover monitoring tools and techniques. Qualifications: Advanced degree in geography, forestry, remote sensing or other relevant discipline -At least 10 years of professional experience including forest land classification, mapping and use monitoring - Thorough familiarity with GIS, including various forms of use and interpretation of information - Strong capability in forest land classification - Familiarity with Madagascar land use, deforestation, and conservation issues - Familiarity with Malagasy forest land use "zoning" processes and issues - French at the 4/4 level. E-mail: Madagascar@irgltd.com (Please place Land Use Planning Specialist in the subject line). No general inquiries to this address. Only finalists will be contacted. Project Management Officer Land Degradation, Kenya http://www.unep.org/Vacancies/Display.asp?PostID=FB/8000-02-04-1125 Responsible for building-up and managing the portfolio of medium sized projects (MSPs) on capacity building for sustainable land management in accordance with the GEF Council Decisions. The capacity building projects may include one or more of the following components: (1) institutional strengthening and human resource development to enable countries to reform land management policies, regulations and incentive structure to promote sustainable land use and protect the global environment; (2) development of mechanisms for participatory land use planning and management; (3) participatory assessments of land resources and land use practices as the basis for management decisions and interventions; (4) development of information management systems for decision-making on sustainable land management as part of broader planning and management activities; (5) activities to facilitate the synthesis and dissemination of information on good land management practices to protect the global environment and promote sustainable development, including indigenous knowledge; and (6) selected community-based demonstration projects to facilitate the transfer of good sustainable land management practices.For more details on the project visit website http://www.unep.org Deadline for Applications: Monday, August 18, 2003 Qualifications : Advanced university degree in environmental or agricultural sciences with relevance to natural resources management or/and land degradation, with additional qualification or experience in broad range of environmental policy issues. Six years professional experience in field of specialization, including at least three at international level; demonstrated successful experience in project design and management, including extensive experience in developing country contexts Environment Officer, Global Change, Rome Italy An Environment Officer, Global Change (P-2) is sought for the Environment and Natural Resources Service. Duties: assist the Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) programme director in the biological component of initiatives related to biodiversity, terrestrial carbon observations, land/coastal interactions, and land cover and related indicators of global change as well as general administrative matters of GTOS; collaborate with officers working in countries in the collection, organization and assimilation of national data, draft analyses and contribute to regional and global environmental change studies in areas relating to the environmental dimension; and organize scientific meetings and related documentation. REQUIRES: Advanced university degree in an area of biology or ecology; three years work experience in the area of global environmental change or biodiversity related issues; and working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other two. Closing date: 8/22/03. Reference Vacancy Announcement No.: 1203-SDR. Environment Officer, Information Systems, Rome, Italy An Environment Officer, Information Systems (P-3) is sought for the Environment and Natural Resources Service. Duties: provide support within the Service to SDRN activities related to the use and updating of databases (e.g. MetArt, Agromet shell, LCCS, TEMS, etc) and information management tools in order to support the incorporation of appropriate user features and functions that will facilitate their adoption in member countries; assist in the data and information component of activities in the GeoNetwork initiative, the Bioenergy initiative, the Global Land Cover Network and the Global Terrestrial Observing System to promote the identification, registration and use of spatial environmental datasets at the global, regional and national levels; and collaborate in geographic information system activities related to analysis and synthesis of spatial data for environmental and natural resource activities. REQUIRES: Advanced university degree in agricultural sciences (agronomy or engineering) with strong orientation in database and information system development; five years professional work experience substantially in the area of environmental information systems; and working knowledge (level C) of English, French or Spanish and limited knowledge (level B) of French or Spanish. Closing date: 8/22/03. Reference Vacancy Announcement No.: 1204-SDR. Senior Program Specialist, Information and Communication Technology - Connectivity Africa (CA), Cairo, Egypt Spécialiste de programme principal CairoTechnologies de l’information et de la communication - Connectivité Afrique (CA) http://www.idrc.ca/careers/ROM15.htm PhD in a relevant field with 5 to 8 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience (a Masters Degree with more than 8 years of experience). Five to eight years of related experience in information and communications technology (ICT) in both the private and public sectors. Experience in managing information technology projects in Africa. Competition closing date /Date de clôture du concours - August 22, 2003 Natural Resource and Drought Management Advisor, Uganda, The advisor will be stationed in the newly created Karamoja Portfolio Area. The Portfolio covers the three districts of Nakapiripirit, Moroto and Kotido. He/she will be will be based in Nakapiripirit, with frequent traveling to the other two districts of Moroto and Kotido. Candidates should have a master's degree in Natural Resource Management or a Masters of Art in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Dry Land & Water Management and Environmental Assessment & Planning; at least four (4) years working experience in the development field, three of which should have been in NaRUM field, in pastoralist societies. For more details about the position, contact SNV/Netherlands Development Organisation, snvuganda@snvworld.net. Deadline: August 18, 2003 -------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER -------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.prb.org/pdf/WorldPopulationDS03_Eng.pdf World Population Data Sheet of the Population Reference Bureau Demographic Data and Estimates for the Countries and Regions of the World 2003 (PDF: 162KB) -- Who's Growing? Who's Not? "Middle Africa is expected to be the fastestgrowing region in the first half of the 21st century, growing to 193 percent of its current size by 2050; western Africa follows, increasing to 142 percent of its 2003 population. The population of HIV/AIDS-ravaged southern Africa is projected to fall by 22 percent, a decline that no one would have predicted in the recent past." http://www.wits.ac.za/saiia e-Africa Journal: An electronic journal of governance and innovation The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), produces e-Africa, an electronic journal of governance and innovation. The journal is dedicated to finding, examining and sharing innovative thinking on the key policy challenges facing Africa. -------------------------------------------------------------------- CONFERENCES - YOU'RE INVITED! -------------------------------------------------------------------- August 8-10, 2003 IC WG II/IV, Durban, South Africa http://geo.haifa.ac.il/~icaupdt/meetings/durban/durban.htm 4th Joint ICA/ISPRS/EuroGeographics Workshop on "Incremental Updating and Versioning of Spatial Data Bases" Dr. Ammatzia Peled(Co-chair IC WG II/IV): peled@geo.haifa.ac.il CC: rjb@rjb-3d.com. Antony Cooper(Co-chair ICA WG on IU&V): accoper@csir.co.za August 10-16, 2003, Durban, South Africa http://www.icc2003.gov.za/ 21st International Cartographic Conference & 12th General Assembly of the International Cartographic Association ICA and the Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Association will offer spatial data infrastructure workshops in conjunction with the International Cartographic Conference August 12-16, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.jkuat.ac.ke/other/ce2003/default.htm International Civil Engineering Conference on Sustainable Development in the 21st Century. Organized by: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) August 13-16, 2003, Kemer/Antalya, Turkey http://www.ins.itu.edu.tr/rslucoast1/ International Colloquium Series on Land Use/Cover Change Science and Applications - Studying Land Use Effects in Coastal Zones with Remote Sensing and GIS. This is the first conference of a new colloquium series devoted to the issues of changes in coastal zones as related to land use. Contact: Garik Gutman, Land Cover-Land Use Change Program, NASA HQ, ggutman@hq.nasa.gov, Tel: 1-202-358-0276, Fax: 1-202-358-2770 August 13-20, 2003. Berlin, Germany http://www.isi-2003.de International Statistical Institute, 54th Biennial Session (includes meetings of the Bernoulli Society, the International Association for Statistical Computing, the International Association of Survey Statisticians, the International Association for Official Statistics and the International Association for Statistical Education). Email: isi@cbs.nl August 14-15, 2003, Johannesburg, South Africa http://www.wisa.co.za/announce/MnIConference.asp http://www.wisa.co.za/announce/call_afri.asp AFRIWATER 2003: Managing Change in the Water Sector Contact: Dr Heidi Snyman, Chairperson: WISA Management and Institutional Affairs Division, heidis@erwat.co.za August 17-22, 2003, Kruger National Park, South Africa http://safnet.umd.edu/implementation/events/meetings/indiv_mtg_pages/8_03_s afnt_an_mtg.asp Fourth Meeting of Southern Africa Fire Network (SAFNet) The theme of the workshop is "The Use of Remote Sensing to Support Fire Management in Southern Africa" (see draft agenda). Contact: Diane Davies, ddavies@hermes.geog.umd.edu August 25-27, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya http://www.dmcn.org/ Twelfth Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF-12) Organized by the Drought Monitoring Centre, Contact email: logallo@lion.meteo.go.ke or dmcnrb@lion.meteo.go.ke August 25-29, 2003, Abuja, Nigeria http://www.aitecafrica.com/act2002/default.htm The Fifth Annual African Computing & Telecommunications Summit, Mobilising ICT Applications & Projects for effective Corporate, National and Regional Development September 8-17, 2003, Durban, South Africa http://wcpa.iucn.org/wpc/wpc.html Vth World Congress on Protected Areas Sept. 9-12, 2003, Delft, Netherlands http://www.irc.nl/news/wis6.html Sixth Water Information Summit 2003. The Summit's theme is "Breaking the barriers: Let water information flow!" Water and information have a lot in common. Both flow from a source to users. There can be too much of it, or too little, it can be clear or 'polluted'. This event is a joint effort of the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre and the Water Web Consortium, with assistance from the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education and International Institute for Communication and Development. September 14-17, 2003, Cape Town, South Africa http://www.iwaconferences.co.za/develop/water_1.html Water: Key to Sustainable Development in Africa International Water Association Regional Conference Contact Details : tecloete@postino.up.ac.za September 14-20, 2003, Edinburgh, Scotland http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/bblza/sav2003/ International Conference on Tropical Savannas and Seasonally Dry Forests: Ecology, Environment and Development. The aim of this meeting is to bring together leading researchers in savanna and dry forest formations throughout the tropics. The conference will focus on five principal themes: Plant Biodiversity; Animal Biodiversity; Palaeo-ecology and Environmental Change; Environment and Environmental Processes; and Human Ecology and Development. The conference is linked to the June workshop in Nairobi (June 2-7) and the E-discussion (March 17 - April 25) September 17-18, 2003, Tehran, Iran http://www.igctmu.org/edefault.htm The Second International Congress of the Geographers of the Islamic World. Email: info@igctmu.org September 17-19, 2003, Quebec, Canada http://www.gfis.net/showannoun.php?id=24 Information Interoperability and Organization for National and Global Forest Information Systems. The goal of the conference is to bring together international scientists, practitioners, administrators, and information professionals to discuss and announce recent research and advances in the use and organization of information within national and global forest information systems. September 21 - 25, 2003, Brno, Czech Republic http://digitalearh03.geogr.muni.cz 3rd Symposium on Digital Earth September 21-16, 2003, University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/aetfat/prog_papers.html The theme of the Congress is "Biodiversity, Ecology, Taxonomy and Phytogeography of African Plants". A number of symposia relating to the theme, and a workshop on threatened plants are planned for the Congress. Original research papers (in English or French) on the conservation, floristics, taxonomy, vegetation and ecology, phytogeography, economic botany and forestry in Africa are invited for presentation and submission for the XVIIth AETFAT Congress. September 22-24, 2003, Biskra, Algeria http://larhyss.net/ http://www.aghtm.org/services/echanges/internationaux/fichiers/14_1.pdf Oasis, Water and Population Conference This conference will consider issues regarding water resources and population in the Oases, town and country planning, and water quality and treatment in arid zones. Contact: info@larhyss.net; Tel: 213-33-733-204; Fax: 213-33-733-204 Dans le cadre de l'année Internationale de l'Eau Douce, l'université de Biskra organise un colloque international: Oasis, Eau et Population September 22-26, 2003, Abuja, Nigeria http://www.lboro.ac.uk/wedc/conferences/29contents.htm 29th WEDC Conference: Towards the Millennium Development Goals - Actions for Water and Environmental Sanitation. Organized by the Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) and National Water Resources Institute, this conference will consider the following topics: water supply; environmental sanitation; institutional issues; water resources; and cross cutting issues such as social exclusion, sustainability, urbanization, sustainable livelihoods, poverty and gender linkages, corruption. Contact: Dot Barnard, Conference Co-organizer, WEDC, wedc.conf@lboro.co.uk September 26-28, 2003, Bremen, Germany http://bremen.unsgac.org/ http://bremen.unsgac.org/apply/ The Space Generation Congress (SGC) is a meeting of approximately 200 international young delegates to articulate the vision of young people on the future utilization and exploration of space. Over the course of the three days of the SGC, delegates will work together on projects and initiatives on the theme of 'Building an active global community'. Students and young professionals between the ages of 18-35 who have an interest in space and space policy are encouraged to apply, particularly those from developing countries. September 29 - October 1, 2003, South Africa http://www.gims.com/7ShowsConferences/GIMSUserConferenceNews/Home/7ShowsCon ferences/GISinAfrica GIS in Africa: the 5th GIMS User Conference, South Africa's Contact: GIMS, Patrick McKivergan, pmckivergan@gims.com, This year there will be a new format and GIMS will be offering Pre- Conference Workshops on Monday 29 September ahead of the 2 day Conference (30 September and 1 October). http://www.gims.com September 29-October 1, 2003, Japan http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/ticad3/concept.html The Third Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD III). TICAD III is not a meeting for pledging but one for delivering philosophy for African development toward the 21st century. The backbone for TICAD III will be support for NEPAD, the manifestation of Africa's ownership. September 29 - October 3, 2003, Weimar, Germany: http://www.eumetsat.de/en/area2/conf_work/Weimar/1Ann_Draftrev-2.pdf The 2003 Eumetsat Meteorological Satellite Conference September 29 - October 3, 2003, Moscow, Russia http://wccc2003@mecom.ru World Climate Change Conference. Executive Secretariat (scientific issues): Yu.Izrael@g23.relcom.ru October 1-2, 2003, Paris, France http://www.esrifrance.fr/actu/SIG2003/accueil_sig2003.htm SIG 2003 de la Conférence Francophone ESRI PACI (Palais des Congrès d'Issy les Moulineaux) Email: sig2003@esrifrance.fr October 6-8, 2003, Sun City, South Africa http://www.saoug.co.za/conference/2003/index.asp Oracle User Group Conference October 13-14, 2003, Pretoria, South Africa http://www.nsif.org.za The National Spatial Information Framework will be hosting its 5th Anniversary. The first day will include a session on African Spatial Information perspectives, most likely including speakers from SADC countries. October 16-17, 2003, Rabat, Morocco 3eme Atelier Nord Africain sur l'unification du system de reference geodesique, organise de l'Agence Nationale de la Conservation Fonciere du Cadastre et de la Cartographie (ANCFCC), en association avec l'Organisation Africaine du Cartographie et de Teledetection (OACT). Cet 3eme atelier anime par des experts des Pays Nord Africain et Etrangers vise la mise en oeuvre d'un referential unifie pour l'Afrique du Nord, la definition d'un geoide et le choix d'une representation plan unifiee necessaire pour les projets developpment integres. October 16-18, 2003, Montreal, Canada http://www.ihdp.uni-bonn.de/html/other/open%20_meeting_2003.htm http://www.ihdp.uni-bonn.de/word_docs/other/5thOpen%20Meeting.doc Open Meeting of the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Research Community. Updated information will be posted at the 2001 open meeting web site: http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/openmeeting/ October 16-18, 2003, Genova, Italy http://www.gisig.it/coastgis/home.htm Fifth International Symposium on GIS and Computer Cartography for Coastal Zone Management. CoastGIS is a collaborative initiative of the International Geographical Union's Commission on Coastal Systems and the International Cartographic Association's Commission on Marine Cartography. October 17-22, 2003, Cairo, Egypt http://www.isocarp.org The 39th International Planning Congress Organized by: International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISoCaRP). Email: secretariat@isocarp.org October 19-31, 2003, Bonn, Germany 6th Conference of the Parties to the Convention to Combat Desertification. Contact: CCD Secretariat: Tel 49-228-815 2800; Fax 49-228-815 2898/99; secretariat@unccd.int; www.unccd.int October 27-29, 2003, Cape Town, South Africa http://www.nrf.ac.za/saeon/globalchange/saglobal.htm http://www.nrf.ac.za/saeon/globalchange/announcement.htm Global Change and Regional Sustainability in South Africa Symposium The South African Scientific Committee on Global Change (SASCGC) announces a national symposium on the implications of important drivers of global change for national and regional sustainability of human and ecological systems in South Africa. The SASCGC is a national committee of the International Science Union (ICSU), functioning under the auspices of the National Research Foundation. Complete the registration form in full and submit to e-mail before 29 August if you wish to attend. October 2003, Capetown, South Africa (tentative) Science Policy Conference on Global Change and the Vulnerability of Land and Water Resources in Africa. Contact: Eric Odada, eodada@uonbi.ac.ke Also tentativel: START Pan-Africa Regional Committee (PACOM) Meeting Contact: Eric Odada, eodada@uonbi.ac.ke November 4-8, 2003, Dakar, Senegal http://213.154.74.37/agis2003/default.htm (announcement in French) http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/First_announcement_def.pdf AfricaGIS '03. Check EIS-AFRICA website for more details as they become available. http://www.eis-africa.org. The main theme for AfricaGIS '03 is 'Meeting the Information Needs for the NEPAD'. Le thème principal retenu pour GIS Afrique ’03 est 'vers une satisfaction des besoins informationnels du NEPAD' November 3-7, 2003, Johannesburg, South Africa http://www.sastat.org.za/ties2003.htm http://www.cmis.csiro.au/ties2003/ 13th International Conference on Quantitative Methods for the Environmental Sciences. [The conference originally was meant to be held from 21-24 August 2003 at the Friendship Hotel in Beijing, China. Unfortunately, due to the SARS virus, many institutions and companies are refusing to let their staff travel to China. The conference has thus been moved to South Africa, and will be held as a parallel conference to the 50th Anniversary conference of the South African Statistical Association (SASA). Major Theme: Quantifying how our environment affects us November 4-7, 2003, Washington, DC, USA http://gsdi.org/SDIA/gdinfinal.pdf http://www.gdin.org GDIN2003, Sixth Annual Conference of the Global Disaster Information Network. For questions on gdin2003, send an email to gdin2003@hotmail.com. For questions on GDIN, send an email to gdin@hotmail.com [the GDIN Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Government of South Africa has offered to host GDIN2004]. November 10-14, 2003, Honolulu, HI, USA http://isrse.pdc.org/ 30th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment December 2003, Lebanon Symposium on Water Resources and Desertification As a follow up to the Rabat Symposium which covered this topic for the regions of North Africa and the Sahel in 2002, this Symposium will be held in Lebanon for Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Syria and, of course Lebanon. It will be co-organised with UNESCO and co-sponsored by the United Nation's Office for Outer Space Affairs (UN/OSSA). December 2- 5, 2003, Marrakech, Morocco http://www.fig.net/figtree/morocco/ Urban-Rural Interrelationship for Sustainable Development Monde urbain et rural pour un environment durable 2nd FIG Regional Conference for the Arab Countries and Francophone Africa, and 3rd National Surveying Day. Organised by FIG, Ordre National des Ingenieurs Geometres - Topographes ONIGT. Co-sponsored by FIG Commissions 2, 3 and 5. Contact: FIG Office, email: fig@fig.net Call for papers: abstracts should be submitted by July 30, 2003. December 2 -6, 2003, Yaounde, Cameroon http://www.pdm-net.org/africites/fr/inscription/form2003Ang.pdf AFRICITIES 2003: 'Ensuring the access to basic services in African Local Governments' Contact: Mr Souleymane Maiga (PDM) Email smaiga@pdm-net.org December 8-12, 2003, Tunis, Tunisia http://www.uaps.org/cap2003/cap2003eng/indexcap2003en.htm http://www.uaps.org/cap2003/cap2003eng/appelcom.htm (call for presentations) The Fourth African Population Conference For more information: Mister Mbaye Diouf Ndiaye, cap2003@uaps.org Sub-themes (informal sessions) 1. Community Approaches And Implementing Population Policies(APAC) 2. NGO Partnership In Reproductive Health And Poverty(CEFA) 3. Methods Of Quality Data Collection And Analysis(CERPOD) 4. Governance, Civil Society And Poverty(UNDP) 5. Governance And HIV/AIDS(IDRC/RARS) 6. Geographic Information System From EDS Data(MACRO Internatinal) 7. Access And Use Of Data(MACRO International) December 10-12, 2003, Geneva, Switzerland http://www.itu.int/wsis/ World Summit on the Information Society, First Phase. early 2004, Cape Town, South Africa (dates to be determined) http://www.afrea.org/content/index.cfm?navID=18&itemID=206 Third African Evaluation Association (AfrEA) Conference The theme of the conference is proposed to be Evaluation for Effective Development in Africa Feb 2-6, 2004, Bangalore, India http://www.gsdi.org http://www.gsdi.org/GSDI7/Gsdi7FirstAnnouncementFinal.pdf 7th Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Conference Focus: Spatial Technologies, Applications and Policies February 9-11, 2004, Marrakech, Morocco http://enaweb.enameknes.ac.ma/~8imsmtc/ Soil Information: a basis for better land management and prevention of desertification in the mediterranean environment March 1-4, 2004, Berne Switzerland IGS Symposium & Technical Workshop 2004 Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the International GPS Service The Symposium will recognize the unique history of the IGS as well as looking towards the future and what is on the horizon for an international GNSS services in the next decade. The Technical Workshop Series will focus in detail on many critical issues, analysis results, network/communication aspects, data systems, and the various applications addressed by the Projects, Working Groups, and Coordinators of the IGS. April 20-29, 2004, New York, NY, USA http://unstats.un.org/unsd/geoinfo/ungegn.htm http://unstats.un.org/unsd/geoinfo/englishUNGEGN.pdf http://unstats.un.org/unsd/geoinfo/frenchUNGEGN.pdf (francais) The Twenty-second Session of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names (UNGEGN) May 10-12, 2004,Johor, Malaysia http://www.gsdi.org/docs/SDIA/GISDECO_2004.doc (announcement) http://www.fab.utm.my/gisdeco2004 7th Conference on GIS and Developing Countries: GISDECO 2004, on GIS Capacity Building and Infrastructure. Proposals for papers and posters dealing with the following topics should be sent to the GISDECO Secretariat by November 30, 2003. GISDECO Secretariat: Email :b-haris@utm.my. General information on GISDECO or details of past events please see: http://www.itc.nl/gisdeco/ or email Richard Sliuzas, GISDECO Int'l coordinator at GISDECO@itc.nl. June 2-7, 2004, Orleans, France http://www.gsdi.org/SDIA/1st_Circular-CAG20.doc http://cag20.brgm.fr 20th Colloquium of Africa Geology - First circular 20eme Colloque de Geologie Afrique - Cirulaire premiere Symposia topics include: Geodynamics of Africa; Earth Resources and Sustainable Development of Africa; Geohazards, Environmental management, Paleoclimatology and Human Evolution in Africa; and Geoscience Education in Africa. There will also be workshops: 1) The future role of African Geological and Mining Surveys, 2) Earth resources, sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Africa, 3) Geoscientific Maps of Africa including Tectonic map of Africa (CGMW), and 4) Initiative for integrated research projects in Africa (CNRS-INSU, Univ., IRD, IFREMER, BRGM, etc.). June 7-9, 2004, Gavle, Sweden http://www.hig.se/geoinformatics/ Geoinformatics 2004: Geospatial Information Research: Bridging the Pacific and Atlantic, 12th International Conference on Geomatics. Deadline for Abstracts: 01 December 2003. July 12-23, 2004, Istanbul, Turkey http://www.isprs2004-istanbul.com Geo-Imagery: Bridging Continents International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing oaltan@srv.ins.itu.edu.tr The organizing committee is providing a limited number of grants and fellowships to deserving attendees from developing countries. See website for further details. September 15-17, 2004, Agro-Montpellier, France http://www.itc.nl/personal/hengl/PM/WEB/DSM_Workshop_2004.htm Global Workshop on Digital Soil Mapping The Workshop (GW-DSM) aims to discuss and further develop new rapid and economic methods for digitally mapping soil classes and attributes (and their uncertainties) particularly at resolutions of 20 metres to 500 metres. The Workshop should be of interest to all those concerned in the future of soil resource assessment. For expressions of interest, and more details, please contact Phlippe Lagacherie, lagacherie@ensam.inra.fr. -------------------------------------------------------------------- You are welcome to forward this message onto colleagues who may find the information useful. However, if you do so, please indicate that the SDI Africa newsletter was the source of the information. Please include the newsletter contact information at the bottom of this message so that others will know about the newsletter and subscribe themselves. If you have news or information related to GIS, remote sensing, and spatial data infrastructure (e.g., workshop announcements, publications, reports, websites of interest) kindly send me the materials so that I can include it in the newsletter. This newsletter depends upon your continued interest and input. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Kate Lance EROS Data Center/International Program Address: Global Spatial Data Infrastructure Secretariat USGS 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Mail Stop 590 Reston, VA 20192 Email: klance@usgs.gov Tel: 703-648-4564 Fax. 703-648-5755 Website: http://edcintl.cr.usgs.gov/ http://www.gsdi.org/