Mauritius explores satellite data solutions for national development

The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), in partnership with Airbus, has successfully hosted a half-day workshop on "Exploring Satellite Data Solutions for Mauritius". The event, held at the MRIC headquarters, brought together key stakeholders to discuss how satellite technology and Earth observation data can support the country’s development priorities. 

The workshop was attended by distinguished guests, including Honourable Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Mr. Navindsing Jugmohunsing, Permanent Secretary, and Professor Theesan Bahorun, Executive Director of MRIC. The discussions centered on leveraging satellite data to enhance critical sectors such as marine surveillance, natural resource management, disaster preparedness, and climate change resilience. 

Experts from Airbus, Mr. John Wills and Mr. Tim Pattison, presented real-world applications of satellite technology, demonstrating how advanced geospatial tools can support Mauritius’ strategic initiatives. The MRIC also provided updates on the country’s national space strategy, highlighting progress in stakeholder engagement and policy development. 

Key highlights from the workshop included insights from stakeholder consultations shaping Mauritius’ space roadmap, discussions on institutional needs for satellite data, and a live demonstration of Airbus’ high-resolution imagery tools. These technologies are already being integrated into platforms like LAVIMS (Land Administration, Valuation, and Information Management System), showcasing their potential for real-time decision-making. 

With continued collaboration between government, research institutions, and private sector partners like Airbus, Mauritius is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable and data-driven development. 

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye