Environmental Monitoring

Earth Observation for the Africa we want

Our work

Observing our planet from space offers an unprecedented opportunity to monitor changes on the Earth’s surface. Space technology allows us to identify patterns over time, understand trends, and monitor our planet to better manage, conserve, and adapt to our changing environment. ICPAC hosts GMES & Africa, which supports East African countries to use Earth Observation (EO) data and technologies to monitor natural resources and food security.

What we do
Improving availability and access to EO data
Improving availability and access to EO data

Provide decision makers with information and tools to implement sustainable development policies

Developing EO-based applications and services to monitor
Developing EO-based applications and services to monitor

Natural habitats, tropical forests, agriculture and rangelands

Capacity development
Capacity development

We build capacity in EO and to translate data into environmental actions and plans

Latest Updates

Call for side events at the IGAD pavilion at COP 31
Call for sessions
Call for side events at the IGAD pavilion at COP 31

Submissions 2

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) invites member states and partners to apply t…

The Greater Horn of Africa is expected to experience a wetter-than-normal October – December (OND) 2026 season as El Niño strengthens
Press Release
The Greater Horn of Africa is expected to experience a wetter-than-normal October – December (OND) 2026 season as El Niño strengthens

Rainfall

Kigali, Rwanda, 18 August 2026: The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), togeth…

DESERT LOCUST RISK UNDER A STRENGTHENING EL NIÑO: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GREATER HORN OF AFRICA
Report
DESERT LOCUST RISK UNDER A STRENGTHENING EL NIÑO: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GREATER HORN OF AFRICA

Since 2022, the Greater Horn of Africa transitioned from a regional Desert Locust upsurge to locali…

THE JUBA DECLARATION ON INSTITUTIONALISATION OF ANTICIPATORY ACTION, 2026
Declaration
THE JUBA DECLARATION ON INSTITUTIONALISATION OF ANTICIPATORY ACTION, 2026

The First South Sudan National Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Action

14–16 September 2026, Juba, …

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Earth Observation for the Africa we want

Flooding in Sudan. We use Earth Observation to monitor environmental changes and provide Early Warnings for our member states. We focus on four services: Monitoring of Forests, Natural Habitats, Agriculture and Rangelands.

Monitoring land use changes in Forests and Natural Parks

We develop Earth Observation solutions for Environmental Monitoring and Increase access to Earth Observation data. Recent years have seen an unprecedented increase in the volume and quality of satellite images for Earth Observation. Simultaneously technological advancements have improved access and processing capability. At ICPAC the GMES & Africa project takes advantage of EO data and technology to develop solutions for monitoring, planning, management of the Environment and food-security early warning.

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