EOTEC DevNet Fosters Collaboration on EO Capacity Building

Earth Observation Training, Education and Capacity Development Network (EOTEC DevNet),  a deliverable in the CEOS 2020-2022 work plan, is 18 months into a 2-year pilot under the auspices of WGCapD (Working Group on Capacity Building and Data Democracy). 

EOTEC DevNet was created to fill a gap in the coordination of capacity building efforts related to the use and application of Earth observations (EO) in solving development challenges and fostering sustainable development. Four regional communities of practice, organised around Africa, Americas, Asia-Oceania and Europe, are the heart of EOTEC, helping to set priorities and drive the work. EOTEC DevNet aligns its work with that of existing global and regional capacity development networks, building on their initiatives and programs to offer coordination and information-sharing, and avoid duplication of effort. Within its engagement efforts, EOTEC DevNet  sees diversity and inclusion as a means to foster greater coordination and cooperation on capacity building.

EOTEC DevNet’s core business targets three key global sustainability frameworks: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030. Its initial focus is on increased capacity building and application of EO for disaster risk reduction, specifically for flood and drought crises.

Working through the communities of practice, EOTEC DevNet are currently developing products including a flood tools tracker and a global flood extent use case. Their purpose is to help flood managers and responders identify which EO-based tool should be applied in certain circumstances, and by whom. Content, sourced from experts working in respective regions, is provided in an accessible, plain language format. The beta version of the flood tools tracker is currently available here. 

To join a community of practice or learn more about EOTEC DevNet, sign up for updates here.