NAIROBI, Kenya — The Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Forests, and Seascape Ecosystems Management in Eastern and Southern Africa (RCOE-ESA) on Monday launched a new Map Book designed to enhance data-driven conservation and sustainable planning across 24 countries in the region. The unveiling took place during the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD)’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

The RCOE-ESA Map Book offers extensive spatial and thematic content, spotlighting biodiversity hotspots, a detailed analysis of protected and conserved areas, and transboundary conservation networks. Through high-quality maps, the resource also pinpoints critical gaps in protection coverage, making it an essential tool for policymakers, conservation practitioners, researchers and development partners.

Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General of RCMRD, underscored the critical role of geospatial science in conservation efforts. “Geospatial science is a powerful tool for conservation and sustainable development,” Nkurunziza said. “Through data-driven planning and ecosystem mapping, we can restore biodiversity-rich forests, seascapes, wetlands, and other vital ecosystems.” He further described the Map Book as “a call to action and a key tool for strategic planning across our region”.

The Map Book also serves as a progress tracker for the 24 participating countries toward Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework. This global target calls for 30% of the Earth’s land and sea to be conserved through established Protected Areas (PAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

Coinciding with the Map Book’s launch is the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET) Sensitization Training Workshop at RCMRD. IMET is a digital platform that supports the planning, monitoring and evaluation of protected and conserved areas, aiming to improve ecosystem management and sustainability. The workshop is intended to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to assess and enhance ecosystem management, facilitating the long-term provision of ecosystem services to dependent communities.

RCMRD, celebrating five decades of regional leadership in Geospatial Science, Earth Observation and Capacity Development, has become a trusted institution serving over 500 million people in Eastern and Southern Africa, with the support of its 20 Member States and development partners.

The RCOE-ESA Map Book is accessible online at https://rcoe-mapbook.rcmrd.org.