ISK Africa Regional Conference Highlights Climate Change

As the world grapples with the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) is stepping forward to address these concerns through its 8th Africa Regional Conference.

This gathering of land and built environment professionals from across Africa will provide a platform for discussing and exploring the crucial role surveying can play in adapting to and mitigating climate change.

The conference will delve into a range of critical topics, including:

• Carbon credit, climate change in land governance, and the role of land sector professionals: This session will explore the mechanisms and strategies for integrating carbon credits into land management practices, emphasizing the responsibilities and contributions of land sector professionals in fostering climate-resilient land use and governance.

• Valuation, ecosystems, and smart cities in relation to climate change: This discussion will examine the impact of climate change on property values, ecosystems, and the development of smart cities. It will explore strategies for adapting valuation methodologies, protecting ecosystems, and designing sustainable urban environments in the face of a changing climate.

• Geospatial technologies and trends for climate change monitoring: This session will showcase advancements in geospatial technologies, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), and their application in monitoring climate change impacts. Participants will gain insights into how these technologies can be utilized to track changes in land cover, land use, and environmental parameters, providing valuable data for climate-informed decision-making.

• Affordable housing and financing: This discussion will address the challenges and opportunities surrounding affordable housing in the context of climate change. It will explore innovative financing mechanisms, sustainable construction practices, and climate-resilient housing design to ensure that affordable housing is accessible and adaptable to the impacts of climate change.

• Natural resources management and climate change mitigation: This session will examine the role of land and built environment professionals in managing natural resources effectively to mitigate climate change. Participants will explore strategies for sustainable forest management, water conservation, biodiversity protection, and waste management, all of which play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

• Digital transformation in the land sector: This discussion will highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies in revolutionizing the land sector, particularly in the context of climate change adaptation. Participants will gain insights into emerging technologies, such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics, and their applications in streamlining land administration, enhancing land use planning, and improving land management practices.

• Technological developments in geomatics: This session will focus on the latest innovations in geomatics, the science of measuring and representing the Earth, and their relevance to climate change adaptation. Participants will explore advancements in surveying technologies, such as drones, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and satellite imagery, and their applications in mapping, monitoring, and modeling climate change impacts.

• Climate resilient real estate developments: This discussion will delve into the principles and practices of climate-resilient real estate development. Participants will explore strategies for designing, constructing, and managing buildings and infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and sea level rise.

• Action for Africa on climate change in land and built environment: This session will bring together African leaders, policymakers, and professionals to discuss and formulate actionable strategies for addressing climate change in the land and built environment. Participants will collaborate on identifying key challenges, developing innovative solutions, and promoting sustainable land management practices across Africa.

The 8th ISK Africa Regional Conference will serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and action, fostering a collective effort to address the challenges posed by climate change and build a more sustainable future for Africa.

By bringing together experts, policymakers, and professionals from across the continent, the conference aims to empower the land and built environment sector to play a pivotal role in adapting to and mitigating climate change, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.