2026 SAG Award Winners

Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)

Project Goal

The Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) for Biodiversity, Forests and Seascape Ecosystems Management in Eastern and Southern Africa, implemented by the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), strengthens the use of geospatial technologies and Earth Observation to support biodiversity conservation and evidence-based decision-making. Through a regional data geoportal, biodiversity maps, policy briefs and capacity building, the project supports 24 countries in monitoring ecosystems and improving the planning and management of protected and conserved areas. These efforts contribute to reporting under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (Conserving 30% of Land, Waters and Seas by 2030). RCoE operates within the biodiversity component of the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence Programme, contributing to the AU–EU Innovation Agenda. It supports the EU Global Gateway Strategy by translating research and innovation into tools for sustainable development.
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Business Problem Solved

Countries in Eastern and Southern Africa face significant challenges in monitoring biodiversity, managing protected and conserved areas, and reporting progress toward global biodiversity commitments such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Although large amounts of environmental and satellite data exist, they are often fragmented, inaccessible, or not translated into actionable information for policymakers and conservation managers. Many national institutions also lack the technical capacity, tools, and integrated platforms needed to effectively analyze geospatial data and apply it to planning, monitoring, and reporting progress, particularly for Target 3 (conserving at least 30% of land and sea areas by 2030).

Technology Implemented

The solution is implemented using ArcGIS Online for hosting, managing, and sharing geospatial data and services. Spatial analysis and data preparation are conducted using ArcGIS Pro. Interactive applications are developed using ArcGIS Experience Builder, including the RCoE Map Book Gallery web application for accessing biodiversity, forests, and seascape map products. Data collection and validation for the development of map book products are supported using ArcGIS Survey123, enabling standardized and accurate data gathering from the countries. Visualization and reporting tools are built with ArcGIS Dashboards and ArcGIS StoryMaps to highlight impacts and showcase key activities. The RCoE data geoportal is deployed using ArcGIS Hub to provide open access to biodiversity data and knowledge products. Country profile datasets are integrated and updated using ArcGIS Data Pipelines, enabling automated data preparation and integration for regional biodiversity monitoring and reporting.

Development Team Biography

Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza – Director General
Abednico Maphuru – Geospatial Services Director
Esther Muigai – Finance Manager
Esther Wangai – Senior Human Resource Officer
Ngugi Kimani – Geospatial Data & Technology Manager(PM)
Elizabeth Ojuma – Procurement & Logistics Officer
Jacquelyne Nnassuna – Gender & IPLC Specialist
Jacklin Karimi – Policy Engagement Specialist
Catherine Matolo – Communication & Outreach Specialist
Martin Nyoro – GIS Forest Expert
Abigael Sum – Communication & Outreach Expert
Joseph Maina – Geospatial Developer Specialist
Julius Buyengo – Capacity Development Expert
Kelly Waga – Knowledge Management Expert
Josphat Gachoki – Ecosystem Ecology Specialist
Christopher Amudavi – GIS Seascape Expert
Erick Juma – GIS Biodiversity Expert
Isaac Fadamullah – Geospatial System Developer
Teddy Mwangi – ICT System Administrator
Moses Imenje – Network Administrator
Dennis Mwenda – Geospatial Systems Developer
Ida Apayo – Geospatial Systems Developer