The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) and the Brazilian National Institute for Space Research (INPE) have signed an MOU that aims to establish a cooperation framework to facilitate joint activites by the two organizations in their areas of mutual interest.

The partnership came about as a result of a firm conviction to reinforce their relations and cooperation in order to encourage the use of earth observation data in Africa. The two organizations took into consideration RCMRD’s existing efforts to enhance earth observation infrastructure in Africa in conjunction with the SERVIR-Africa project. They also recognized the importance of coordination and mobilization of capacities in order to boost efforts in each of the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) societal benefit areas.

The MOU will see the two organizations cooperate in several areas. This will include dissemination of CBERS data, including enhancing accessibility to CBERS data via the SERVIR-Africa platform. They will collaborate in capacity building and in training technical and specialized professionals, including the promotion of tools developed by INPE. The two partners will conduct studies and research on issues of mutual interest, as well as explore the adaption of applications developed by INPE for Brazil to be implemented in the African context. Finally, they will pursue an arrangement in collaboration with the Sensor Web initiative for tasking high priority satellite data acquisitions, as well as considering mutual arrangements to meet financial obligations for programs initiated between them or with a third party in accordance with the agreement.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Hussein Farah and Dr. Gilberto Camara on behalf of RCMRD and INPE respectively.