Outreach
RESTEC is reaching out to governments, citizens, industries and educators in Japan and abroad to expand the use and application of Geo-spatial technology. Geo-spatial technology is especially useful during emergencies and to monitor regions which are otherwise difficult to access. RESTEC has played a crucial role in helping Government of Japan in addressing the challenges during natural disasters such as earth quake, flooding and typhoon scenarios. In addition, RESTEC is now reaching out to support African, Asian and South American countries in protecting their bio-diversity and natural resources. RESTEC engages with policy makers and researchers in developing countries to find a practical solution to pressing issues concerning environmental protection, disaster management, health and epidemiology and urban planning.
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Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System -
TICAD-7 -
Pan-African Conference
The Wildlife Enforcement Monitoring System developed by United Nations University is implemented by Lusaka Agreement countries in Africa. WEMS is a Geo=spatial tool which compiles information (both spatial and non-spatial) from national enforcement authorities on issues related to forest and wildlife crime. The transboundary information is then shared among the member states of Lusaka Agreement for addressing illegal trade transboundarily. The data from WEMS can facilitate timely enforcement action against wildlife and forest crimes. It can also facilitate reporting to the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). WEMS-Africa is managed by Lusaka Agreement Task Force and works in collaboration with governments, development partners, MEA Secretariats and other stakeholder organizations. RESTEC has been supporting WEMS initiative in training and capacity development.
The TICAD 7 side event, organized by Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) and supported by RESTEC, brought together experts from LATF, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, United Nations Developmental Programme (UNDP), the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), along with Japanese institutions such as National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), AFRECO, and the Remote Sensing Technology Center (RESTEC) of Japan. During the opening session followed by the panel discussion, representatives discussed various strategies for building a transboundary spatial data infrastructure and the need for increasing the capacity of LATF for addressing human-nature conflicts in Africa. The notable achievement of the side-event was the presence of the Head of State from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), His excellency Mr. Félix Tshisekedi. The president highlighted the need for spatial technology for protecting natural resources and addressing conflicts. The other speakers involved were Dr. Aloyce Nzuki – Deputy Permanent Secretary (Representing the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism of Tanzania), Mr. Tetsuro Yano, President, Associate of African Economy and Development (AFRECO), Prof. Chiho Watanabe- President of NIES, Ms. Midori Paxton- Head of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, UNDP-GEF, Mr. Edward Phiri – Director of Lusaka Agreement Task Force, Mr. Brian McBrearity – African Wildlife Foundation. The Panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Tetsuji Ida – Senior Science Reporter for Kyodo News. The panellistincluded, Mr. Kaname Ikeda- President of RESTEC, Ms. Midori Paxton- UNDP, Dr. Manabu Onuma- Senior Researcher of NIES, Ms. Fiesta Waringwa, Director of Policy, African Wildlife Foundation.
The TICAD 7 declaration (Yokohama Declaration) included the importance of addressing wildlife crime and the use of space technology.
The Arusha Conference, which was convened by Lusaka Agreement Task Force (LATF) in collaboration with RESTEC and other partners were held from 17th to 18th June 2019 at the Four Points Hotel by Sheraton, Arusha, Tanzania. The conference brought together over 120 participants from Governments, United Nations, academic experts from national and international institutions and civil society from Africa and around the world. Representatives of Community Wildlife Managers (Wildlife Management Areas) from Tanzania also participated. It was aimed at strengthening information sharing infrastructure and governance frameworks to address human-nature conflicts in Africa.
The organizing partners included United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Remote Sensing Technology Center -RESTEC-Japan, Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) –Japan, European Union (EU), New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Contact
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