IGN France International and the French IGN (National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information), in close cooperation with the Geographic Institute of Burkina Faso (IGB), the Economic Commission for Africa and Esri, are organising a regional seminar entitled: “National Spatial Data Infrastructures: which benefits for African emerging countries?” that will be held on April 3rd in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).
This seminar will take place during a time when numerous African countries are beginning to think about or are even undertaking the implementation of national spatial data infrastructure projects as they are becoming more aware of the fact that geomatics are a key factor to economic and social development. Although eager to carry these projects out, most countries face difficulties in the mobilisation of the necessary financial, technical or human resources. The proactive role that high-level politicians must play or even the level of reluctance that is sometimes encountered are difficulties that are often underestimated.
Organised around 5 round table discussions, this event will provide the African policymakers that are present with a large array of parameters (technical, financial, human, organisational…) that should be taken into consideration so that the efforts that are undertaken contribute to the success of these projects.
Based on the sharing of experiences, this seminar has the following objectives:
To showcase the experience of different African countries that have a voluntary approach and to give them the opportunity to present their thoughts, the difficulties that they encountered, and to speak about their progress. Testimonials from African countries such as the Ivory Coast, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Gabon will add to the exchanges.
To review the different steps and phases that distinguish these ambitious projects, from their conception to their implementation. IGN France International will illustrate its presentation with current or recently completed case studies in
Serbia and
Gabon.
To put the efforts and difficulties that Europe was confronted with in the conception, formulation and implementation of the European Inspire directive into perspective. To be able to measure, after several years’ time, the return on investment for these types of projects.
In addition to the numerous Burkinabe decision-makers that will be present, representatives from several African countries such as Algeria, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Guinea and Uganda have already confirmed their participation.
About IGN France International
IGN France International was created in 1986 and is the international subsidiary of the French IGN (National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information). Over the years, the company has shown itself to be an indispensable player in both of its sectors of intervention: geographic information (acquisition, processing, modelling) and geographic information systems (implementation and integration). It works on all types of projects in the following fields: Cadastre and land administration, urban planning, energy, environment, risk management, water, security/precision work, agriculture.
About the National Institute of Geographic and Forest Information (IGN)
The main goal of this establishment is to benefit from the concentration of the skills of both the IGN and the IFN (National Forestry Inventory) in order to increase the present capacities in terms of describing the national territory and land use as well as those related to inventories of forestry resources. This will benefit public policies as well as land use planning and sustainable development activities.
About the Economic Commission for Africa
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) was established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions. ECA's mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. It reports to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
About the Geographic Institute of Burkina
The Geographic Institute of Burkina Faso is a public administrative establishment in charge of the conception, implementation and monitoring of the national policies in terms of cartography.
ESRI Inc. designs and develops a range of geographic information systems (GIS) that the most comprehensive and used worldwide. The GIS are today considered to be essential tools for the majority of processes existing in companies and organisations.
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Aude ARESTE LAMENDOUR
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