The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are hosting a joint event on 22nd June 2023 (virtually)  to emphasize the significance of standards in land cover datasets for data harmonization and interoperability on a global scale.

These standards provide a common framework for data collection, analysis, and reporting, facilitating consistent and transparent tracking of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The public availability of the ISO 19144 series (FAO version) on the FAO website will foster the development of new tools and applications for land cover and land use analysis and management.

This joint event aims to highlight the importance of standards in the development of land cover datasets to support the data harmonization and interoperability at national, regional and global level.

Click here for registration.

AGENDA 

Time (CEST)

13:30-13:40 

Opening and welcome remarks

Matieu Henry, a.i. Head of Geospatial Unit, Land and Water Division (NSL), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Convenor, International Organization for Standardization, Technical Committee 211 (ISO TC211) Advisory Group 13. 

Peter Parslow, Chair, International Organization for Standardization, Technical Committee 211 (ISO TC211)

13:40 - 13:50 

Importance of standards in land cover and land use production

Antonio Di Gregorio, International Consultant, RS, GIS and Ontology Expert, Independent

13:50 - 14:00 

How standards work, from concepts to practices

Douglas O’Brien, Head, IDON Technologies Inc.

14:00 - 14:10 

Brief overview of examples, available and supporting information

Fatima Mushtaq, Land Cover Monitoring Specialist, Land and Water Division (NSL), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

14:10 - 14:20 

Use of land cover standards in Bangladesh (country example)

Zaheer Iqbal, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bangladesh Forest Department (BFD)

14:20 - 14:30

Use of land cover standards in West Africa (regional example) 

Bako Mamane, Co-chief of party, AGRHYMET Regional Center

14:30 - 14:40 

Use of land cover standards in Uruguay (country example) 

Ana Alvarez Gebelin, Manager Land Planning Area, Land Planning National Direction, Housing and Land Planning Ministry of Uruguay (MVOTMA)

14:40 - 14:55 

Roundtable discussion

Giulia Conchedda, Agri-Environment Data Analyst, Statistics Division (ESS), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 

15:55 - 15:00 

Closing remarks

Philippe Loudjani, Scientific Project Officer, Joint Research Center (JRC)