Land cover and land use information is a vital information for governments, agencies and institutions of a country to make informed decisions, promote sustainable development, protect the environment, food security biodiversity conservation, climate change and ensure the well-being of their citizens. It plays a critical role in shaping policies and actions that align with long-term sustainability goals. With the support from projects OSRO/YEM/108/EC titled “Strengthening Evidence-Based Decision Making in Yemen through Improved Food Security and Nutrition” funded by European Union and the OSRO/LIB/100/AFB, “Yemen Food Security Response and Resilience Project” funded by The World Bank, FAO engages experts and specialists in updating the new land cover of Yemen. 

On 18th October 2023, the first virtual consultation on the land cover mapping for Yemen is organized by FAO. Total 47 people from national partners including Renewable Natural Research Center (RNRRC)- Agricultural Research and Extension Authority, Yemen Remote Sensing and GIS Center (YRSC),  Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and Fish Wealth, Sana'a University, Agricultural Research and Extension Authority (AREA), Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority Meteorological,  and National Information Center participated in the consultation. 

The national consultation workshop's objective is to initiate knowledge sharing involving the use of approach and standards used by FAO for land cover, land use and crop monitoring, legend class development and crop-type mapping with the national stakeholders, experts and specialists. During the workshop, the focus will be on initiating a dialogue and series of consultations regarding the development of the national land representation system, the national land cover map, as well as crop information and derived statistics, in support to improving agricultural sector and food security in Yemen.

Agenda:
10:00 - 10:10
Welcome and opening speech
Andrea Berloffa, Senior Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer, FAO Yemen

10:10 - 10:20
Introduction to participants  
Participants

10:20 - 10:30
FAO projects and Capacity Development Programme
Alemu Manni, FAO Chief Technical Advisor, FAO Yemen

10:30 - 10:40
Mapping natural resources in Yemen, from field to remote sensing
Mohammed Gahgah, GIS Analyst, FAO Yemen

10:40 - 10:55
Land cover and crop-type mapping and monitoring
Rashed Jalal, Geospatial Expert, Land and Water Division, FAO  

10:55 - 11:10
Land cover reference system, and legend for Yemen
Fatima Mushtaq, Land Cover Monitoring Specialist, Land and Water Division, FAO  

11:10 - 11:20
Land cover standards in action - Video
FAO

11:20 - 11:50
Discussion/next steps
Craig Von Hagen, FAO  

11:50 - 12:00
Closing Remarks
Matieu Henry, a.i. Head Geospatial Unit, Land and Water Division, FAO