August 12, 2025
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA), in partnership with the Mphaphuli Traditional Council, will officially launch the Natural Resource Management Programme at the Mphaphuli Traditional Council in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on 15 August 2025.
The programme seeks to harness the power of remote sensing and geospatial technologies to produce actionable insights on the state and condition of South Africa’s natural resources. Like many nations, South Africa faces significant challenges from climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, pollution, and inadequate waste management. Combined with unsustainable land-use practices, these issues increase the risk of large-scale, rapid, and potentially irreversible environmental changes that threaten both people and ecosystems.
Natural resources, including water, land, plants, animals, ecosystems, and minerals, are the building blocks of human survival and prosperity. They underpin economic growth and support livelihoods at every level.
Through this programme, SANSA will collaborate with national and provincial departments, district and local municipalities, research and academic institutions, and traditional authorities to provide remote sensing and geospatial solutions for sustainable natural resource management. The programme will also engage communities and MSMEs, to raise awareness, inspire innovation, and encourage the development of localised solutions at municipal and tribal authority levels.
Why is this Important?
Effective natural resource management is essential for environmental sustainability, economic development, and community well-being. By leveraging Earth Observation technologies, South Africa and its citizens can make informed decisions, address environmental challenges, and plan for a resilient future.
How will the Community Benefit?
This initiative empowers local communities with data and tools to support informed decision-making at the grassroots level. It will enable better planning for agriculture, water management, disaster preparedness, land use, and natural resource management — ultimately improving livelihoods and resilience.
For more information contact:
Khumbulani Mkhize, Earth Observation (EO) Marketing Specialist
Vaneshree Maharaj, Communications Manager
About the South African National Space Agency
At SANSA we believe in creating an infinite impact for the benefit of all South Africans through technological advancement and innovation. The agency was established in 2010 through the South African National Space Agency Act, 36 of 2008. SANSA aims to promote cooperation in space-related activities, foster research in space science, advance scientific engineering through human capital and support the development of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technologies.
