🎉 Big news from the @Esri User Conference! We're thrilled that our map showing the distribution of bird species in Eastern and Southern Africa was hand-picked by Jack Dangermond, President and Founder of Esri, and featured on the opening slide of his keynote presentation! The map was among a select few highlighted for their contribution to environmental monitoring and conservation. 📖 See the map in the RCoE-ESA MapBook Vol. 1 (page 29): rcoe-mapbook.rcmrd.org/pages… @EsriEA #EsriUC2026 #GIS #RCMRD #Geospatial4Development ^AS

Are you ready to take your spatial data skills to the next level and influence real-world environmental policy? We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Online Training Course designed to equip conservation professionals, researchers, and data enthusiasts with the practical tools needed to drive evidence-based decision-making. Course Dates: August 10th – 21st, 2026 (Intensive 2-Week Program) Session Times: 14:00 – 17:00 Hours (EAT) Application Deadline: August 3rd, 2026 During this interactive training, you will learn how to: Create interactive Web Maps and StoryMaps. Build dynamic Data Dashboards to monitor ecosystem health. Develop innovative GeoHex Applications that drive local and regional conservation action. Through hands-on exercises and real-world conservation case studies, you'll gain the skills to build professional digital products and even apply your new knowledge in the upcoming GeoHex Conservation Challenge 2026! 🔗 Secure your spot and register now: bit.ly/4p669uB #RCMRD #OnlineTraining #GIS #ArcGISOnline #StoryMaps #DataDashboards #GeoHex #ConservationAction #DataToDecisions #CapacityBuilding #EcosystemMonitoring

The #IUCNCongress kicks off tomorrow! How is RCoE-ESA participating? We’ll be showcasing our work and impact at booth 317 — come visit us to learn more about how the Regional Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity, Forests, and Seascapes Ecosystems Management (RCoE-ESA) is advancing ecosystem conservation across Eastern and Southern Africa. #IUCN2025 #Conservation #Biodiversity #GISforConservation #NaturePositive #ConservationLeadership #AbuDhabi2025 #ConservationNow #KMGBF #CBD ^AS

From biodiversity and livelihoods to climate action, tourism, and coastal protection, it is important to demonstrate how science, technology, and policy can work together to maximize the benefits of our marine ecosystems. Join us at the 13th WIOMSA Scientific Symposium for the special session: “Blue Values: Unlocking the Full Potential of Marine Ecosystem Services.” 📅 2:00 – 5:30 PM (GMT+3) | October 3, 2025 📍 Shimba Room, Pride Inn Paradise Resort @RCMRD_ | @CIFOR_ICRAF | @KmfriResearch | @GRIDArendal | @wiomsa #WIOMSA2025 #WIOMSA13SS #Conservation #Marine #30x30 #KMGBF #Healthyseas #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities ^AS

A team from the ArcX Steering Committee, led by EU's Ms. Catherine Ghyoot, Program Manager – International Aid & Cooperation for STI Directorate-General for International Partnerships visited the RCoE-ESA offices at @RCMRD_ , where they engaged with the team on ongoing initiatives and explored ways to deepen collaboration in advancing biodiversity, forests, and seascape ecosystems. The delegation also included Pietro Nardi and Brice Montfraix from @EU_Commission as well as @aggreyagumya from @FARAinfo. @CIFOR_ICRAF | @EU_Partnerships #ArcXForum #Conservation #Biodiversity #30x30 #KMGBF #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities ^AS

We have only 7 days to go before the Application of GIS in Conservation Mapping course kicks off! 🔗: youtu.be/4iMAJs_1yTw Learn to map, monitor & protect ecosystems while advancing the 30x30 global conservation goal. 📅 11–29 Aug | Online Course Don’t miss this chance to level up your GIS skills for nature-positive action. Register now: lnkd.in/dMkYRsAW #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities #GISforConservation #30x30 #Target3 #KMGBF #Biodiversity #RCoEESAMapBook #MondayMotivation #MondayMood #MondayMorning ^AS

Whether you're drawing, painting or mapping, your vision can speak for ecosystems at risk. Creativity meets conservation here. Compete for €16,000 in prizes and the chance to present your work in Nairobi, Kenya. Register and submit your entries by 31 August. Judges are looking for creativity, innovation, clarity, and a passion for conservation. 📲 Scan the QR code or visit: rcoe-artsandmaps.rcmrd.org to participate and win! #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities #rcmrdartsandmaps #conservation #Biodiversity #RCoEESAMapBook #GISforConservation #KMGBF #Biodiversity #Conservation ^AS

Our week has kicked off on a high note! Today, we had the honour of presenting a copy of the RCoE-ESA Map Book to @SchomakerAstrid, the Executive Secretary of @UNBiodiversity at the opening of the Regional Workshop on Knowledge Management for Biodiversity for Countries in Africa in #AddisAbaba, Ethiopia. Having our work acknowledged on such a global stage and by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) reaffirms our commitment to harnessing the power of knowledge and informed decision-making to address the pressing challenges facing our ecosystems. The Map Book is a powerful tool designed to support global efforts toward the 2050 Vision of living in harmony with nature, and the achievement of the 23 targets of the #KMGBF by 2030. Importantly, the Map Book illustrates how 24 countries are progressing toward Target 3, which calls for conserving 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas through Protected Areas (PAs) and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (#OECMs). @UNEP @UNDPAfrica @RCMRD_ #TheRSCAWeWant #UNbiodiversity #GISForConservation #RCoEESAMapBook #AddisAbaba #Sustanability #sustainabledevelopment ^AS

The #EsriUC2025 is officially underway in San Diego, California, USA! We’re proud to share that two maps developed under the RCoE-ESA programme were featured during the Plenary Address by @Esri President Jack Dangermond, showcasing the power of geospatial data in biodiversity, forest, and seascape ecosystems management across Eastern and Southern Africa. These featured maps are also part of our recently released RCoE-ESA Map Book. To access it, click here: rcoe-mapbook.rcmrd.org. #EsriUC2025 | #GISforConservation | #RCoEESAMapBook | #Biodiversity | #SustainableDevelopment | @CIFOR_ICRAF | @EU_Partnerships | @EUinKenya | @EU_in_Somalia | @RCMRD_ | @EsriEA | @EsriUC ^AS

“In many ways, mangroves are the poster child of the interdependence between people and nature.” – Ms.@SchomakerAstrid, Executive Secretary of the @UNBiodiversity (UNCBD). #Mangrove forests in Eastern and Southern Africa are more than coastal vegetation, they are lifelines. These unique ecosystems shield communities from storms, nurture marine life, store massive amounts of carbon, and support over 341 threatened species globally. But their future is under threat. According to @IUCN, half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems could collapse by 2050 due to: Coastal development, Overharvesting of wood, Pollution and Climate change and rising sea levels. In countries like Mozambique, Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania, the degradation of mangroves is already undermining both biodiversity and community resilience. To support informed action, the @RCoE_ESA has developed a high-resolution map that illustrates the current status of mangrove ecosystems in Africa. These insights are essential for planning restoration, conservation, and sustainable use. Explore our full collection of ecosystem insights in the RCoE-ESA Map Book🔗: bit.ly/4lympS4 @IUCN_PA @esaroconnect @IucnE @RCMRD_ @CIFOR_ICRAF @EU_Partnerships @UNOceanDecade @WorldOceansDay #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities #WorldOceanDay #OceanAction #RCoEESAMapBook #EUfunded ^AS

Here’s a #puzzle for you! The Biodiversity Plan Puzzle isn’t just fun and colourful; it’s a bold call to action. Each piece you match helps you understand KMGBF targets, a roadmap for global biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Think you’ve got all the answers? Share your picks with us and tag us on our RCoE-ESA platforms. Let’s see who cracks the puzzle perfectly! For more resources, explore our Map book; rcoe-mapbook.rcmrd.org and our geoportal rcoe-geoportal.rcmrd.org. @RCMRD_ @CIFOR_ICRAF @UNBiodiversity @EU_Partnerships #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities #GISforConservation #30x30 #Target3 #KMGBF #RCoEESA #RCoEESAMapBook #RCoEGeoportal #Biodiversity #AdventureHub ^AS

🌊 The ocean powers our climate, feeds millions, drives economies, and sustains biodiversity but it needs us now more than ever. As we gear up for the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (9–13 June 2025), the spotlight is on accelerating global action to protect our oceans. 🌍 Our Ocean. Our Future. Our Responsibility. 📷 Watch this video: "Conserving Marine and Seascape Biodiversity: A Data-Driven Future for our Oceans" on youtu.be/oZkmLot0qpI via @YouTube to see how Eastern and Southern Africa are leading efforts in marine conservation, ecosystem restoration, and ocean governance. #SaveOurOcean #UNOC3 #Nice06 #BEFF #OceanConference #OceaNice #UNOC2025 #Nice @UN @GlobalGoalsUN @UNDESA @SustDev @UNBiodiversity @UNEP @FAO @AusHCKenya ^AS

🌱 From forests to seascapes, nature holds the key to solving our greatest challenges - climate change, food insecurity, and water scarcity. As we gear up to mark International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, we reflect on this year’s theme: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” This global call reminds us that protecting biodiversity is essential not only for the health of ecosystems but also for human well-being, economic growth, and achieving the SDGs. At @RCoE_ESA, we are committed to advancing nature-positive actions across Eastern and Southern Africa - restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and supporting implementation of the KMGBF. 🌍 Together, let’s build a future where people and planet thrive in harmony. 🔗 Learn more: cbd.int/biodiversity-day @UNBiodiversity #ConserveNatureEmpowerCommunities #BiodiversityDay #GlobalGoals #KMGBF ^AS