Successful Google Earth Engine Training Workshop to advance sustainable land management in Fiji
The workshop was spearheaded by Noel Gorelick, the co-founder of Google Earth Engine.
Fiji took a momentous step forward in its pursuit of sustainable land management with the successful completion of a groundbreaking Google Earth Engine Training Workshop.
The three-day workshop held at the Novotel Hotel Suva Lami Bay this week (August 14-16) brought together key stakeholders and experts in the field to deepen their understanding of land use monitoring, utilising the powerful capabilities of Google Earth Engine.
This innovative initiative, supported by the United States Forest Service (USFS), holds significant promise for the advancement of Fiji's National Land Use Monitoring System. The workshop was spearheaded by Noel Gorelick, the co-founder of Google Earth Engine.
Participants from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Climate Change Division – Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Local Government, iTaukei Land Trust Board, Fiji National University, University of the South Pacific and numerous other key institutions, enthusiastically engaged in hands-on sessions and interactive discussions.
Harnessing Google Earth Engine
Land use monitoring stands at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainable development efforts. The ability to accurately track and analyse changes in land use is paramount for informed decision-making, policy formulation, and the effective management of natural resources.
Fiji's commitment to establishing a National Land Use Monitoring System aligns seamlessly with its dedication to meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing climate change challenges.
Google Earth Engine, a revolutionary cloud-based platform, emerged as the star of the workshop. Its sophisticated geospatial analysis capabilities allow users to access a wealth of satellite imagery and datasets, facilitating accurate land use mapping and change detection. The workshop demonstrated the platform's versatility, equipping participants with the skills to generate reliable data critical for REDD+ initiatives, greenhouse gas emissions reporting, and monitoring progress towards SDGs.
Guided by expertise
Mr Gorelick's presence as a lead facilitator added immeasurable value to the workshop. As an Earth Engine co-founder, his insights into the platform's functionalities and potential applications were invaluable. Participants benefited immensely from his expertise, gaining insights into the intricacies of geospatial analysis and the optimisation of Google Earth Engine for their specific needs.
Permanent Secretary of Fisheries and Forestry, Mrs Atelaite Rokosuka, said having the founder of Google Earth Engine deliver this training himself was an added bonus for the participants.
"Throughout the training, we embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. We delved into the intricacies of Google Earth Engine, a tool that has the potential to reshape how we view and interact with our world. From mapping land use categories to detecting changes over time, your commitment to mastering these techniques has been truly inspiring," Mrs Rokosuka.
“I am pleased to see the diverse range of participating organisations present here, representing different sectors that play pivotal roles in Fiji's landscape. Your collective presence underscores the depth of commitment from across the government, academia, and key institutions towards a common cause – the responsible stewardship of our land resources,” she told the participants.
Partnership and Collaboration
The successful execution of the Google Earth Engine Training Workshop was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the Coalition Government and the USFS. The commitment of the USFS to capacity building and knowledge exchange underscores the shared global responsibility to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable practices.
Mrs Rokosuka expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, "The collaboration with the United States Forest Service has been instrumental in bringing this workshop to fruition. It symbolises our shared commitment to fostering sustainable land management practices and supporting Fiji's development aspirations."
Way Forward
As the workshop concluded, participants departed armed with newfound knowledge, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose. The journey towards effective land use monitoring and sustainable practices continues, with Fiji's National Land Use Monitoring System poised to benefit significantly from the enhanced capabilities gained through the workshop.
The Google Earth Engine Training Workshop marked a pivotal moment in Fiji's ongoing journey towards environmental stewardship and resilience. With every pixel analysed and every change detected, the nation takes a step closer to a greener, more sustainable future.
Mrs. Rokosuka urged participants to put the knowledge they had acquired at the workshop to practical use by applying their newly acquired skills to building a more resilient and sustainable Fiji.
“As we leave this workshop, let us carry the torch of shared responsibility and continued learning. Let us remain connected, nurturing the network of collaboration and knowledge exchange that we have built over these three days.
“Let us use the tools and insights gained here to shape a future where our landscapes thrive, communities prosper, and our environment is safeguarded for generations to come.”