Meet one of the four DE Africa and YouthMappers Technical Challenge winners
Digital Earth Africa recognises outstanding African champions shaping the industry and celebrating the remarkable diversity they bring. Today, we embark on an enthralling journey, paying homage to the next generation of GIS professionals identified through our esteemed partnership with Youthmappers. As a global network of university-based chapters, Youthmappers harnesses the power of open geospatial data and cutting-edge mapping technologies to tackle global and local development challenges. Earlier this year, we unveiled four exceptional DE Africa and Youthmappers Technical Challenge 2022 winners, each showcasing extraordinary talent. In this feature, we catch up with the remarkable Michael Jurua from the Youthmappers at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. Michael and his exceptional team emerged victorious with their pioneering project, "Identifying Deforestation Hotspots over the Budongo Central Forest Reserve Using the Digital Earth Africa Sandbox." Join us as we delve into Michael's inspiring journey, uncovering his passion for change and his ambitions for the future.
A Passion for Change
When Michael Jurua first came upon the announcement for the Technical Challenge, he felt an instant surge of motivation. This platform presented a golden opportunity to develop and showcase his technical skills in geospatial analysis, mapping, and data management, while also making a valuable contribution to the geospatial community. It challenged him to think critically and creatively, encouraging him to apply the latest tools and techniques to solve real-world problems. Michael's passion lies in utilising geospatial data and analysis to impact society positively, and the Technical Challenges provided the perfect platform for him to work on a project that could bring meaningful change to local communities.
Unveiling the Project
Michael's project focuses on monitoring and assessing forest cover change in the Budongo Central Forest Reserve, which happens to be Uganda's largest natural forest, spanning over the past decade. Leveraging the power of satellite imagery obtained through the Digital Earth Africa Platform, his primary objective was to unravel the spatial and temporal patterns of deforestation, identify the driving forces behind this ecological threat, and offer insights into potential solutions for mitigating the adverse impacts on the environment. By adapting satellite imagery for monitoring and assessing forest dynamics, this groundbreaking project aspires to improve the management of this invaluable natural resource.
Making Strides
The project has been completed with Michael and his team's dedication and unwavering commitment. The findings were presented to students at the Department of Geomatics and Land Management at Makerere University, marking a significant milestone in their research journey. Looking ahead, they eagerly anticipate collaborating with policymakers, NGOs, and local communities to gain a deeper understanding of the contextual factors driving deforestation. They aim to pave the way for sustainable forest management by identifying potential solutions and mitigation strategies.
Moreover, Michael and his team are thrilled at the prospect of disseminating their groundbreaking findings to a broader audience. Whether it's through publishing a comprehensive paper in an esteemed academic journal, sharing detailed reports with key project stakeholders, delivering captivating presentations at conferences, or engaging in media interactions, they're determined to make their voices heard.
A Life-Changing Victory
Winning the Technical Challenge has had a profound impact on Michael's life. It has become an incredible stepping stone towards achieving his academic and career aspirations, elevating his profile and reputation within the academic and professional communities. The victory has opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities, connecting him with like-minded professionals, researchers, and aspiring students. The relationships he has forged with potential mentors, collaborators, and employers have been nothing short of heartwarming. These experiences have boosted his self-confidence and self-esteem and provided a tremendous sense of accomplishment and recognition for his skills, expertise in Geomatics, and unwavering dedication.
A Call to Action
In closing, Michael Jurua emphasises the pivotal role of the youth in tackling environmental challenges head-on. Armed with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and an inherent sense of urgency, young individuals possess the power to drive change and shape a sustainable future for our planet. Programs like the DE Africa and Youthmappers Technical Challenge offer invaluable opportunities for young minds to develop skills and contribute to research projects addressing pressing environmental issues. We can collectively build a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous world by supporting and empowering the youth.
As we celebrate Michael Jurua's and his team's achievements, we're inspired by their unwavering dedication to preserving Uganda's forests and their commitment to making a lasting impact. Let their story ignite a spark within us to join hands and forge ahead towards a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can turn the tide and create a world where nature thrives and communities flourish.
DE Africa continues with its mission of empowering countries across Africa with Earth observation data to enable climate adaptation and mitigation, greater food security and more sustainable development.
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