Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing and its Application in Environment

Welcome to the blog post highlighting the recent training session focused on "Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing and its Application in Environment." Held over 4 days from March 27^th to March 28^th and 3^rd to 4^th May, 2024, this enlightening session was hosted at the Wildlife Conservation Initiative Office (Location Map).

Wildlife Conservation Initiative conducted a training session on the introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing with aim to promote sustainable conservation efforts by actively involving the youth, recognizing them as the stewards of tomorrow.

GIS is pivotal in our programs for habitat restoration. While planting trees is a significant aspect, the monitoring of these trees is equally essential. GIS and remote sensing technologies play a crucial role in this process. They enable the delineation of planting areas through the creation of polygons and the precise mapping of restoration sites. Moreover, they facilitate ongoing monitoring of tree growth and ecosystem health.

This training session was designed to empower the younger generation with the skills needed to leverage GIS and remote sensing technologies for nature conservation. Here are the outcomes observed following the completion of the training.

The training sessions were conducted in two cohorts. Cohort 1 took place from March 27th to March 28th, 2024, with 37 enthusiastic participants, while Cohort 2 followed on April 3rd to April 4th, 2024, with 30 eager attendees. Led by the experienced NGWIJABAGABO Hyacinthe, an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Rwanda, the sessions ran from 15:00 to 18:30, providing ample time for comprehensive learning and practical engagement.

Training Overview

The training session spanned two days, from March 27th to March 28th, 2024, and was conducted at the Wildlife Conservation Initiative Office. 37 participants were requested to arrive at 15:30 to ensure timely installation of required software on their personal computers, facilitating seamless participation in the training.

Trainees after being welcomed by SHEMA Serge, Executive Director of WCI; The training commenced with an introduction to GIS and remote sensing by the experienced trainer NGWIJABAGABO Hyacinthe. Participants were guided through hands-on exercises using software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth Pro. Practical applications of these tools in environmental studies were highlighted, emphasizing their significance in data analysis, mapping, and decision-making processes.

Participants demonstrated high levels of engagement and concentration throughout the training session. They actively participated in practical exercises and discussions, expressing a keen interest in deepening their understanding of GIS and remote sensing applications in environmental research.

The training session concluded by SAFARI Claude, a project manager with gratitude extended to all participants for their commitment to learning and applying GIS and remote sensing techniques in environmental studies. Participants were encouraged to continue practicing and exploring the tools introduced during the session to further enhance their skills and contribute effectively to environmental conservation efforts.

WCI extend great appreciation to NGWIJABAGABO Hyacinthe for his expertise and guidance during the training, and we look forward to continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the field of GIS and remote sensing. Kindly view the  Video Highlights  of Cohort 1's training session on "Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing and its Application in Environment”.

Training participants

The training participants comprised 45.5% males and 54.5% females, showcasing a balanced gender representation. Age-wise, the majority of attendees, totaling 86.4%, were under 30 years old, reflecting a youthful cohort eager to engage in environmental studies. Additionally, participants hailed from diverse academic backgrounds: 3.0% were high school students, 52.2% were university students, 17.9% were A2 graduates, 14.9% were A1 graduates, 9.0% were A0 graduates, while 1.5% were pursuing master's degrees, and another 1.5% were PhD candidates.

Training feedback

Feedback on the training indicated positive responses, with 47.4% expressing being very satisfied, 52.6% reporting satisfaction, and a small fraction, 5.3%, remaining neutral. In terms of the instructor's effectiveness, a significant portion, 47.4%, rated it as excellent, followed by 42.1% as very good, and 10.5% as good. Furthermore, the training materials were well-received, with 78.9% finding them very informative and the remaining 21.1% considering them informative. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of 89.5% granted photo consent for usage by the Wildlife Conservation Initiative, while 10.5% opted out. Stay tuned for further updates and insights as Wildlife Conservation Initiative continues its endeavors in environmental conservation and education!

Training takeaway

(i)   Interactive Learning with Practical Exercises: Incorporating hands-on exercises using software like ArcGIS, QGIS, and Google Earth Pro facilitated an interactive learning environment. Practical applications of GIS and remote sensing tools were highlighted, enabling participants to grasp concepts effectively through direct engagement.

(ii)  Diverse Participant Backgrounds: The training attracted participants from diverse academic backgrounds, including high school students, university students, and graduates at various levels. This diversity fosters cross-disciplinary learning and enriches discussions, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of GIS and remote sensing applications in environmental studies.

(iii) Gender Balance and Youthful Cohort: With a balanced gender representation and the majority of participants being under 30 years old, the training session reflected a youthful cohort eager to engage in environmental studies. This demographic diversity ensures a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives, contributing to a vibrant learning atmosphere.

(iv) Positive Feedback and Instructor Effectiveness: The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with a significant portion rating the instructor's effectiveness as excellent, underscores the quality of instruction and the trainer's ability to effectively convey complex concepts. Such feedback reaffirms the importance of experienced and knowledgeable trainers in facilitating successful learning outcomes.

(v)  Encouragement for Continued Practice and Exploration: Participants were encouraged to continue practicing and exploring the GIS and remote sensing tools introduced during the session to further enhance their skills. This emphasis on continuous learning and skill development underscores the training's commitment to empowering participants to contribute effectively to environmental conservation efforts beyond the session's duration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the training session on "Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing and its Application in Environment" was a resounding success, fostering an environment of interactive learning and practical engagement. The diverse backgrounds of participants, coupled with a balanced gender representation and a youthful cohort, contributed to dynamic discussions and a vibrant learning atmosphere. Positive feedback regarding the instructor's effectiveness and the relevance of training materials underscores the quality of instruction and the value of experienced trainers in conveying complex concepts effectively. Furthermore, the encouragement for continued practice and exploration emphasizes the training's commitment to empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation efforts through enhanced skills in GIS and remote sensing. Thank you.