THE NEW MISSION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CENTRE.

During the last twenty-five years, significant developments have taken place in the technology and methodology of data gathering, processing, storage, and dissemination of natural resource, environmental and development information. As a result, the member States have acquired or are in the process of acquiring the new advanced technologies for which they require initiation and back stopping by the Centre. Therefore, in order to facilitate appropriate response by the Centre to the rapidly changing technologies as well as the socio-economic and operational needs of the member States, the Governing Council (GC) of the Centre commissioned the review of the Centre’s agreement, its mandate, its relationship with member governments and partners as well as decrees which guide its policies. The review team prepared a document entitled "Centre’s 2020 Vision" which was adopted by the Governing Council in December 1997. The team recommended that the Centre should be transformed into an active partner in development rather than a passive service Centre. To implement this, they recommended the restructuring of the Centre.

The restructuring of the Centre was undertaken in 2000 and the outcome of this process led to formulation of new mission and objectives.

Key Objectives

• To develop and constantly update harmonized and standardized land resources and urban development digital data and information infrastructure for the region, based on demand;
• To develop a regional early warning system for food security, environmental monitoring and disaster management using mainly satellite technology;
• In collaboration with member States, national institutions, undertake projects for creation of spatial information system suitable for development planning at national, regional and community levels;
• Coordinate the harmonization of the fragmented regional and African datum using accurate geodetic GPS techniques and research into the field of data processing methodologies;
• Develop capability and capacity in the maintenance of surveying and mapping equipment and offer advisory and maintenance services to the member States; and
• In collaboration with national and international institutions, undertake research and training in the application of geo-information in land resources and urban development mapping and assessment for sustainable development.