The EIS ProgramThe EIS ProgramProgram onEnvironmental Information Systemsin Sub-Saharan AfricaA multi-donor sponsored initiative to build capacity for managing environment information
BY JACOB GYAMFI-AIDOOCO-ORDINATOR
Environment Information SystemsEnvironment Information Systems Defined as “the institutional and technical framework,
essential for improving the flow and use of information in environmental management.”
The framework includes:StrategiesPolicies and proceduresCore data sets and data management toolsCommunication and networking mechanisms
Program FeaturesProgram Features Adoption of a common approach for each
participating country Strong local participation and consensus-building Focus on the development of human resources Problem-focus within a clearly defined policy
framework Building upon existing national data systems Strong donor participation and co-ordination
CoverageCoverageEIS Program
SADC/RRSU
South Africa (NSIF)
IGAD (RIIS)
REIMP
AchievementsAchievementsThe main achievements of the EIS Program include: Awareness creation Contributing to knowledge through country
case studies Promoting data standardisation and
harmonisation Promoting the concept of shared data
resources at the national level Networking
INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
DA
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T E C H N O L O G Y
Lessons LearntLessons Learnt Adoption of the distributed (enterprise GIS) model
Common data infrastructure Custodianship of data
Long-term perspective, founded on consensus building
Framework approach
Principles and norms
Standards
Data HarmonisationData Harmonisation
Networking and co-ordinationCountry-At-A-Glance data sets
Ghana (completed) Côte d’Ivoire (under construction) Uganda (interest expressed)
RRSU CD-ROMHarmonised data set for SADC
ChallengesChallenges
Remaining relevant to the changing needs of countries, sub-regions and Africa as a whole
Shifting from project-orientation to responding to strategic policy frameworks
Supporting countries in meeting their global obligations (conventions, etc.)
Building linkages and synergy among initiatives
Adapting to changes in information technology
Future PerspectivesFuture Perspectives Incorporation
Pan-African NGO (EIS Network)
Strategy Partnership
Services to members and partners
Facilitation, geo-information brokerage and leveraging
Support for studies or policy-research
Effective networking
CoordinatesCoordinates
The EIS Program,c/o CSIR-Environmentek,Building 33, Room N254,P.O. Box 395,Pretoria 0001Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27-12-349 1068Fax: +27-12-349 2080Em: [email protected]: http://www.grida.no/prog/global/eis-ssa/
