Observatoire Satellital de Foret d’Afrique Centrale (OSFAC)

Principal Investigators:

Didier Devers, Diane Davies, Deirdre Smith, Nadine Laporte (WHRC), Compton Tucker (GSFC), Phillipe Mayaux (JRC Ispra)

This research project is providing technical support for a regional network of researchers and resource managers established in Central Africa in the framework of the international GOFC/GOLD program. The network called the Observatoire Satellital de Foret d’Afrique Centrale (OSFAC) is researching and testing ways to improve the availability and access to satellite and geospatial data to scientists, providing a forum for improved communication of requirements and experience in forest monitoring.

Limited access to data remains a major obstacle for developing country scientists and resource managers. Forest and resource managers in developing countries with large tracts of inaccessible land to manage can benefit considerably from up-to-date information for their country. Limited access to the Internet prevents electronic transfer of data. Often the needs of those that can benefit most from the global monitoring systems are overlooked and alternative approaches need to be developed to meet their specific data needs. Natural resource agencies and institutions also have a need for a larger pool of technicians trained in geospatial methods.

Supported by USAID CARPE (Central African Regional Program for the Environment) and in collaboration with NASA, this project is developing pilot projects on the application of satellite data for forest management in the region. This project is being undertaken in collaboration with the UMD Global Land Cover Facility, the Tropical Forest Information Center at Michigan State University and the Joint Research Center, Ispra, Italy.

Further information on the network activities can be found at http://www.osfac.org.