The GEO Indigenous Alliance's upcoming event, "Democratising Earth Observation Data and Tools for Climate Action," is a must-attend for policymakers, change makers, Indigenous advocates, and scientists alike. Indigenous communities are on the front lines of climate change, and their use of Earth observation satellite data to adapt to these changes and protect our planet is crucial for climate action.
The event, taking place during GEO Week 2022 on October 31 in Ghana, will showcase how Indigenous Peoples are using open-source technologies and high-resolution satellite imagery for climate action. Speakers include notable figures such as Titus Letaapo (Samburu tribe), who will talk about the Indigenous Hackathons featuring the Lopa & Namunyak Apps, two Indigenous technological solutions that integrate Indigenous knowledge with Earth observation data for food security and climate action.
Mario Vargas Shakaim (Shuar) will present on the Shakaim Project, an Indigenous-led reforestation effort in the Amazon jungle, and Maria Azhunova (Buryat-Mongol ) will share lessons on the intergenerational transfer of Indigenous Knowledge through the Land of Snow Leopard Network.
Other key speakers include Dr. Noon Altijani Osman Abbakar (Rizeigat), who will showcase how data can accelerate women's health empowerment for climate action, and Douglas Mbura, who will present the Indigenous Visibility App. Diana Mastracci of Space4Innovation will speak about the way forward for the GEO Indigenous Alliance, which will include discussions on Indigenous space sovereignty led by Dan Hawk (Oneida Nation) and decolonizing data through the Indigenous Data Sovereignty Movement led by Dr. Autumn Asher BlackDeer (Southern Cheyenne Nation).
Charlotte Bishop of NICFI's Satellite Data Program and Erik Lindquist FAO representative from SEPAL, will also speak about the important work being done to increase access to satellite imagery.
By attending this event, policymakers, scientists and the general public can learn more about how to support and collaborate with Indigenous communities to achieve global climate goals. The event will inspire climate action by highlighting the innovative ways Indigenous Peoples are using Earth observation data and tools to protect their traditional knowledge, languages, lands, waters, and cultures.