Call summary :

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in collaboration with the National Earth Observations and Space Secretariat (NEOSS) is pleased to announce a Call for Proposals (CFP) on the Integrated Earth Observations Solutions (IEOS)

Applicants are requested to familiarise themselves with the information provided in this Call for Proposals (CFP).

DATE OF PUBLICATION: Wednesday, 13 November 2024

DATE OF SUBMISSION: Friday, 13 December 2024

TIME OF SUBMISSION: 17h00 hours

1. INTRODUCTION

This Call for Proposals (CFP) invites innovative Earth Observation (EO) solutions that integrate data from air, ground, and space sources to address pressing socio-economic and environmental challenges, with a particular emphasis on building climate resilience and promoting sustainable development.

Proposals should focus on the practical use and application of EO data, information and technologies, clearly demonstrating their benefits and the meaningful, measurable impact they can have on communities.

Proposals should also outline how these solutions can drive transformative change to communities in various provinces while enhancing South Africa’s ability to effectively respond to climate and environmental threats.

2. BACKGROUND

The Integrated Earth Observation Solutions (IEOS) is a funding programme established by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) in collaboration with the National Earth Observation and Space Secretariat (NEOSS), an initiative of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), hosted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

SANSA is advancing Earth Observation (EO) efforts to address South Africa’s national priorities, using cutting-edge EO technologies to improve climate resilience, food security, disaster response, and urban development. Through focused climate monitoring and adaptation, SANSA enables communities to better respond to climate variability, building resilience and sustainable growth. EO data is essential for monitoring agricultural productivity, enhancing disaster preparedness, and guiding spatial planning, which strengthens food supply, mitigates disaster impacts, and supports urban development.

Whereas, NEOSS serves as a national coordination initiative, promoting access to data and information to ensure the effective integration of EO into policy and decision-making processes. A core part of NEOSS’s mission is the development of Communities of Practice (CoPs), which act as collaborative platforms across key themes, including Agriculture and Food Security, Circular Economy and Natural Resource Management, Human Settlements and Spatial Planning, Satellite Navigation and Communication, Natural Capital Accounting, EO Infrastructure and Data Governance, and Climate Action. These CoPs align with the broader objectives of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and AfriGEO, promoting global and regional partnerships between governments, businesses, scientists, and communities to co-produce actionable Earth intelligence.

The distinct yet complementary mandates of SANSA and NEOSS shape the IEOS programme, guiding the thematic scope and focus areas for proposals. By aligning their work with these objectives, applicants can contribute towards SANSA’s and NEOSS’s shared vision of fostering collaboration, leveraging collective expertise, and developing sustainable, impactful solutions for South Africa and beyond.

3. AIM

IEOS seeks to harness the transformative power of EO to drive socio-economic development, sustainable development and climate resilience in South Africa. This initiative supports projects that integrate practical EO applications, community engagement, and collaborative solutions to enhance resilience and adaptive capacity. Further aims include fostering innovation within the EO and space communities, stimulating collaboration with Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), and catalysing market demand for EO-based solutions.

The programme is designed to be adaptable and responsive, supporting the advancement of EO technologies that can meet evolving societal needs and emerging challenges. It establishes a framework to rapidly deploy innovative applications, catalyse new partnerships, and strengthen South Africa’s EO ecosystem by leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, tools, data, and platforms.

4. TARGETED INITIATIVES

Proposals should focus on practical, innovative applications of EO and space technology that drive tangible societal benefits and contribute towards an inclusive and sustainable future. ..