BGWG's Commitment to Solving Zambia's Water Challenges through Innovative Learning

In an age where technology and innovation play pivotal roles in addressing complex environmental challenges, organizations like the Blue and Green Water Guardian (BGWG) have been head-focused on acquiring new skills and knowledge to find innovative solutions to Zambia's water-related problems. At the heart of this commitment is their dedication to training and building expertise. Recently, the Executive Director of BGWG, Mr. Muyaka Kamamba, embarked on a transformative journey to Rwanda to participate in a Cloud Computing and Algorithm for Earth Observation course.

This unique learning opportunity, which took place from the 17th to the 21st of October, was a prelude to the World Climate Research Programme-Open Science Conference 2023 (WCRP-OSC 2023). Mr. Muyaka, along with participants from various parts of the African continent, delved into the fascinating realm of cloud computing, big data and the innovative use of Earth observation (EO) data.

Throughout the course, a wealth of knowledge and practical skills was gained, expanding the horizons of what's possible in the field of water resource management. Participants explored various facets of cloud computing, learning to harness its capabilities for the analysis of EO data. Here's a glimpse of what the course entailed:

Day 1 (17 Oct): Introduction and Beyond The journey commenced with an insightful introduction to the course, EO Africa R&D Facility and engaging discussions on the significance of big data and cloud computing in Africa's environmental landscape. The stage was set for what was to be an inspiring week of learning.

Day 2 (18 Oct): Practical Skills and Hands-On Learning The course rapidly transitioned into hands-on practical training. Participants dived into the world of Jupyter Notebooks, Python programming and a series of hands-on exercises in the Innovation Lab. This immersion in practical skills was a vital part of preparing participants for the challenges of analyzing vast sets of Earth observation data.

Day 3 (19 Oct): Exploring Data Analysis with Python With the foundational knowledge in place, participants delved into the world of Python libraries designed for data analysis. NumPy and Rasterio took center stage and hands-on exercises with EO data further enriched participants' skills.

Day 4 (20 Oct): Understanding EO Data and Data Access Participants explored critical topics, including EO data access, cloud-native data formats and SpatioTemporal Asset Catalogs for Earth Observation Data (STAC/EO DAG). These sessions were followed by more hands-on exercises and case study discussions.

Day 5 (21 Oct): Project Work and Knowledge Sharing The final day was devoted to applying the newfound knowledge. Participants worked on project presentations, sharing case studies and insights. The course concluded with a certificate presentation and open discussions that further enriched the collective learning experience.

Among the highlights of this event, Mr. Muyaka Kamamba and his group presented a project titled "Pre and Post Landslide Analysis in Northwestern Rwanda using EO Data." The presentation showcased the practical application of the skills and knowledge acquired throughout the course and highlighted the importance of EO data in addressing real-world environmental challenges.

BGWG's participation in this course reflects their unwavering dedication to expanding their expertise and learning new ways to approach Zambia's water-related problems. With a heightened understanding of cloud computing, big data analysis and Earth observation, BGWG is poised to bring innovative solutions to the forefront of their water resource management initiatives.