Survey on Development of Supporting Structures and Capacity

For Producing and Using Spatial Data in Africa

 

  1. Name and contact details of respondent: Christopher Lungu, Coordinator, Environmental Information Network and Monitering System, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, PO Box 34011 Lusaka, Zambia, Tel: 260-1-229410, Fax: 260-1-232206

  2. What is the name of the programme or project in which you are involved? Environmental Support Programme. Environmental Information Network and Monitoring system Component

  3. What are the overall aims of the programme / project? To provide action-oriented environmental information system and decision support tools to various stake holders involved in ESP to allow them better access to environmental issues, plan and implement activities and capture early lessons through ME

  4. What is the geographical area within which the programme operates? Through 9 districts in Zambi: Kalabo, Mufulira, Impika, Petauke, Nohelonge, Kafue, Siavonga, Mufumbwe, Chibombo

  5. Duration of the programme: 5 years

    1. When was the programme initiated? 1998

    2. When is the programme scheduled to finish? 2002

  6. Who are the major role-players in spatial data production, distribution and maintenance, as well as the major users, within this geographical area? (Note: please do not limit the answer to digital spatial data only) National planning units, Local government institutions, ESP Pilot communities, Donors, Research and Academic Institutions

  7. How is spatial data distributed? (Please do not limit your answer to digital spatial data only) Publications (proceedings, newletters), Website, Awareness campaigns, Radio and TV programs, CD-Roms, Billboards, Meetings, Workshops

  8. Co-ordination mechanisms and support:

    1. Is there currently and formal or informal co-ordination of publicly funded programmes involving spatial information? YES

    2. If yes, please describe briefly Through an environmental information system forum

  9. Please indicate whether the programme on which you are reporting is involved in any of the following:

    1. The collection of metadata? YES

    2. Making metadata readily available to (potential) spatial data users YES

    3. The development of spatial data standards YES

    4. The creation of basic data sets (i.e. base sets of data that could be used by a broad variety of users, for example, the road network) YES

    5. If the answer to 9.4 is YES, please list these data sets Vegetation assessment, air quality, wildlife distribution, soil degrdation, water quality

    6. Developing legal framework for accessing and distributing spatial data YES

    7. Developing pricing policy for spatial data YES

  10. Liaison:

    1. Is there any formal affiliation of the programme / project with any global or

      2. (other) regional spatial data infrastructure initiatives? YES

    2. Is there informal networking with other initiatives? YES

    3. If the answer to either 10.1 or 10.2 is YES, please list these initiatives SADC-ELMS, Infotterra

  11. What, if any, are the particular challenges facing the development of NSDI / RSDI development within the region? Adapting to changes in information technology, remaining relevant to the challenges and needs of the communities, building effective linkages and synergy among initiatives

  12. Any other information or comments? EIS Africa needs to work closely with National Institutions

  13. If there are any sources of additional information (e.g. web-sites or brochures), please list these or indicate how the information might be obtained. Websites: http://www.menr.gov.zm, the Zambian Environment Newsletter