GEOFORMIN WORKSHOP

INTERNATIONAL STAKEHOLDERS' WORKSHOP ON GEO-INFORMATION SYSTEM-BASED FOREST MONITORING IN NIGERIA(GEOFORMIN)

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) Abuja, the Regional Centre for Training in Aerospace Surveys (RECTAS), Ile-Ife, the African Regional Centre for Space Science and Technology Education - English (ARCSSTE-E) Ile-Ife and the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), The Netherlands, are organising an International Workshop on Geo-Information System-Based Forest Monitoring in Nigeria (GEOFORMIN).

GEOFORMIN is a GIS-based forest monitoring system. As articulated, it is capable of setting the pace for sustainable forest monitoring efforts in Nigeria. It is not just another scientific research agenda; it contains a strong institutional strengthening/capacity building component that will affect development of National Geo-Spatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) at the Local, State and Federal levels in Nigeria. It has the potentials for fast tracking Nigeria into the nucleus of countries with well-established geo-information based sustainable forest management.

GEOFORMIN is participatory in its approach and holds the promise of contributing to the effort aimed at raising the level of awareness of space applications in Nigeria. Preparatory to the implementation of this national programme - GEOFORMIN, an International Stakeholders' Workshop is being organized to properly articulate the stakeholders' needs and expectations from the project. Participants are expected from the Federal, State and Local government levels as well as relevant Non-Governmental Organizations and International Agencies. The Workshop will involve lectures, hands-on demonstrations, exhibitions, etc. The Workshop is slated as follows:

Date: March 27 - 30, 2006
Venue: NUC Auditorium, Maitama District, Abuja
Time: 9 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Daily