Pictured: Participants of the Training Session, led by Prof. Xiasong Li.
A technical training and exchange workshop supporting the Great Green Wall for Africa (GGW) initiative was successfully held in Beijing, China, bringing together more than 40 participants and technical experts from the African Union (AU), South Africa, Ethiopia, Egypt, and partner institutions. The workshop focused on strengthening regional capacity to apply Earth Observation (EO) technologies in addressing land degradation and promoting sustainable land management.
Prof. Xiaosong Li, Co-Lead of the GEO-LDN Capacity Development Working Group, delivered a training session on the Great Green Wall Big Data Facilitator, highlighting how advanced EO technologies and data-driven approaches can support the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of restoration efforts across the Great Green Wall region.
The training covered three key areas:
- GEO-LDN Tools and Capacity Building: Participants were introduced to GEO-LDN’s suite of tools for land degradation monitoring and assessment, including integrated datasets, analytical workflows, and decision-support systems designed to strengthen local technical capacities.
- High-Quality Earth Observation Data Products: The workshop showcased the latest high-resolution land cover, vegetation dynamics, and land degradation assessment products, with practical demonstrations of their applications for restoration planning and monitoring.
- Scientific Insights for the Great Green Wall: Recent scientific findings on vegetation recovery, ecosystem dynamics, and priority areas for ecological restoration across the Great Green Wall region were presented, providing valuable evidence to support informed decision-making.
The workshop generated active discussions on data accessibility, adapting methodologies to local contexts, and future opportunities for capacity development. Participants expressed strong interest in the GEO-LDN tools and scientific products, recognizing their potential to support national and regional restoration efforts.
By bringing together experts and stakeholders from across Africa and China, the Beijing workshop strengthened collaboration between the GEO-LDN initiative and African partners. The event represents another important step in providing technical support and scientific expertise to advance the implementation and long-term success of the Great Green Wall initiative.
Photo Credit: Prof. Xiasong Li.
