GEO-CRADLE organised the session “Regional dimension for GEO and capacity building priorities” on 1st June 2016, in the 10th GEO European Projects Workshop 2016, which took place in Berlin, Germany, from 31st May to 2nd June 2016. This successful session gathered more than 60 representatives from science, business and public administrations.

Split in two parts, the session aimed at presenting the tools and methodologies that have been or are being put in place by capacity building projects, to overcome the various challenges for the uptake of EO data and services at a regional level.

The first part of the session, entitled “Successful examples of operational EO value-added chains: from data sources to end-users” was moderated by Dr. Haris Kontoes, Research Director of NOA, GEO-CRADLE Project Director, who introduced GEO-CRADLE’s mission and objectives for the Balkans, Middle East and North Africa regions. Speakers, representing GMV, Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale and Spatial Services Ltd, were invited to share with the audience their feedback and lessons learned from implementing previous projects in the region. More specifically, to highlight the existing issues hampering the sustainability and interoperability of capacity building projects in the region.

In the 1^st part speakers representing GMV, Centre Royal de Télédétection Spatiale and Spatial Services Ltd, highlighted the existing issues hampering the sustainability and interoperability of capacity building projects in the region.

The second part of the session, entitled “Capacity building: success stories and initiatives in regions – building regional cooperation” was a round table panel discussion moderated by Mr Lefteris Mamais, GEO-CRADLE Technical and Quality Assurance Manager. The session focused on showcasing successful capacity building case studies and their lessons learned. In particular, the session aimed to provide a feedback on how can capacity building projects support the sustainable uptake of EO services and data at a regional level.In the 2^nd part representatives of previous Projects such as AfriGEOSS, AfriAllience, BalkanGeoNet, ConnectinGEO presented outcomes and their future prospects in line with GEO-CRADLE goals. and, specifically, aimed to provide a feedback on how can capacity building projects support the sustainable uptake of EO services and data at a regional level.
Following the constructive discussions of this session, a series of recommendations have been put forward by both panellists and attending delegates. The valuable exchanges during the round table discussion focused on capacity building initiatives also providing the audience with important feedback from Europe’s neighbouring regions.
Drawing on these exchanges, recommendations and actions have subsequently taken form and were highlighted.