GEO INDIGENOUS WATER SUMMIT
📌 OCTOBER 25-27
GAIA4ALL INDIGENOUS HACKATHON
📌OCTOBER 28-29
GEO INDIGENOUS WATER SUMMIT
OCTOBER 25-27
Building upon the resounding success of the 2020 GEO Indigenous Summit, where Indigenous leaders, students, NGOs, academics, and UN institutions converged to explore Indigenous-led advancements in Earth observations, this year's summit delves deeper into the realm of water conservation and sustainability. Aligned with the United Nations' declaration of 2023 as the Year of Water, this event offers a platform to showcase innovative Indigenous Earth observation solutions addressing water-related challenges, with a strong focus on the pivotal role of Indigenous knowledge in shaping a sustainable future.
The Summit also sheds light on the evolving landscape of traditional Earth observation, influenced by disruptive technologies and new stakeholders. This dynamic setting creates exciting opportunities for collaboration between the public and private sectors and Indigenous Peoples, promoting Indigenous innovation and progress.
Harnessing Indigenous Wisdom & Earth Observations for Water Conservation & Sustainability Video by Creative Director Alessandra Divizia
GAIA4ALL INDIGENOUS HACKATHON
OCTOBER 28-29
“Gaia4All: Indigenous Hackathon for Global Early Warnings Systems" is an Indigenous-led innovation challenge committed to contribute to the overarching UN goal of providing effective early warning systems for storms, floods, droughts and heatwaves in all parts of the world by 2027. With climate change impacts escalating, timely early warnings have become a pressing need to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Event starts:
📌 October 28
⏰15:30 CEST
Event ends:
📌 October 29
⏰ 20:30 CEST
FAQ
WHAT’S AN INDIGENOUS HACKATHON?
It's a unique hackathon where Indigenous communities propose challenges solvable using Earth observation data and tools. Since 2012, Space4Innovation has been running these 24-48 hour events with global hackers to address Indigenous-led challenges.
WHAT TOOLS CAN I USE?
You're free to use any open-source programming language and solution. Simply share your final code on Github. Code quality won't be judged, so you can focus on creating culturally relevant and innovative applications.
WHAT FORMAT SHOULD THE FINAL SOLUTIONS BE IN?
Participants will be asked to provide a 2-minute YouTube video explaining their application, a brief written description of the solution, and sharing the code via GitHub. Further instructions will be provided during the hack.
HOW WILL THE JUDGING WORK?
Entries will be assessed by Indigenous leaders based on:
Societal Impact: Does it address the challenge effectively?
Originality: Is the idea novel and original?
Feasibility: Can it realistically be put into action?
Usability: Is the application user-friendly?
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Everyone is encouraged to join, from artists and designers to specialists in remote sensing. No prior programming, GIS, or remote sensing background is necessary. All are welcome!
IS THIS EVENT FREE?
Yes! Just remember to click on the "Join the Hacker Space" button below.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Diana Mastracci Sanchez at diana@space4innovation.com
OUR SPEAKERS
GEO Indigenous Alliance
National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service NOAA
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
DR. MORIBA JAH
NICOLE STOTT
Artist ~ Astronaut ~ Earthling
UN-recognized, award-winning GenZ ocean-climate “Solutionist”
Indigenous Science
SSGAC & The Black Panthers
MARIO VARGAS SHAKAIM (SHUAR)
GEO Indigenous Alliance/CONFENIAE
![IB HEADSHOT[55].JPG](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/79244b_0ade9ab0704e4a8294bd130fa6ec47e4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_245,h_306,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/79244b_0ade9ab0704e4a8294bd130fa6ec47e4~mv2.jpg)
SUMMIT AGENDA - DAY 1
OCTOBER 25
OPENING CEREMONY
14:00-14:30 Europe - CEST
Opening Prayers and welcome on behalf of the GEO Indigenous Alliance
James Rattling Leaf Sr.
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Stephen Volz, National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, USGEO
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs
Nicole Stott Artist ~ Astronaut ~ Earthling
Dr. Moriba Jah Astrodynamicist | Space Environmentalist | MacArthur Fellow | National Geographic Explorer | TED Fellow | Global Space Evangelist | Professor | Spacecraft Navigator | Co-Founder & Chief Scientist | CorrFRSE
Bodhi Patil UN Ocean-Climate Solutionist | Co-creator @oceanuprise, @oneworldbreath | Founder of Inner Light | Intergenerational Collaboration Advisor
Moderator: James Rattling Leaf Sr. (Rosebud Sioux tribe) GEO Indigenous Alliance
CLIMATE CHANGE & WATER
Session 1
15:00-16:30 Europe - CEST
Understanding the impact of climate change on Indigenous water resources, emphasizing the role of Earth observations and Indigenous data sovereignty, and exploring Indigenous perspectives on adaptation and resilience.
Speakers:
Tania Eulalia Martínez-Cruz (Ëyuujk)
Titus Letaapo (Samburu) GEO Indigenous Alliance, Sarara Foundation
Adrian Lasinbang (Kadazan-Dusun) TONIBUNG
Moderator: James Rattling Leaf Sr. (Rosebud Sioux tribe)
Summit Rapporteur: Tahira Khurshid Hohai University
INDIGENOUS-LED EARTH OBSERVATION INNOVATIONS FOR WATER, MACHINE LEARNING, & DATA SOVEREIGNTY
Session 2
17:00-18:30 Europe - CEST
Highlighting advancements in Earth observation technologies, satellite data, Indigenous-led research, machine learning applications, and the importance of Indigenous data sovereignty for addressing water-related challenges.
Speakers:
Dr. Jorge Vazquez, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology
Dr. Yolanda López-Maldonado (Maya) Indigenous Science
Roxy Williams (Miskito) SSGAC & The Black Panthers Title of Talk: Building Resilient Communities: Indigenous-Led Solutions for Water Challenges
Lightning Talks
Mohamed Mohamud Omar, Paul Mwangi & Mrs Pauline Title of talk: Integrating GIS Technology for Improved Rainwater Harvesting Site Selection in Mandera County, Kenya
Christian Langer iDiv
Dr. Miroslawa Alunowska Space4Innovation & Benard Odhiambo
Moderator: Stephanie Tumampos Technical University of Munich
Summit Rapporteur: Tahira Khurshid Hohai University
SUMMIT AGENDA - DAY 2
OCTOBER 26
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS- WATER
Session 3
15:00-16:30 Europe - CEST
This session aims to explore innovative approaches in disaster risk reduction and the crucial role of early warning systems when combined with Indigenous knowledge in safeguarding Indigenous communities against natural calamities. Experts will share insights on challenges and opportunities inside integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies, fostering community resilience, and enhancing response mechanisms for a more sustainable and secure future.
Speakers:
Prof. (Dr. ) Maneesha Vinodini Ramesh, Amrita University
Dr. David Green, NASA/GEO
Mario Vargas Shakaim (Shuar) GEO Indigenous Alliance
Joel Myhre, PDC GLOBAL Title of Talk: The Pacific Disaster Center - A quarter century of Geospatial and Earth Observation Innovation
Moderator: Stephanie Tumampos, Technical University of Munich
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVES
Session 4
17:00-18:30 Europe - CEST
Investigating the evolving relationship between Indigenous communities, the business sector, and highlighting the economic benefits of Indigenous-led Earth observation initiatives with a focus on data sovereignty as well as identifying opportunities for collaboration.
Speakers:
James Rattling Leaf Sr. (Rosebud Sioux Tribe) GEO Indigenous Alliance
Dr. Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, Green Climate Fund
Bente Lilja Bye, Digital Twins of the Ocean
Dr. Joshua B. Fisher, Hydrosat
Benjamin Barca, NatureMetrics
Emily Goldman & Zoe Kahn Global Policy Lab, UC Berkeley
Lightning Talks:
Linda García Polanco The Amazon Conservation Team Title of talk: La Cabaña - Resistance for a Territory
David Delgado The Amazon Conservation Team Title of talk: Experience on use and management of the Caucaya River, by indigenous communities in the La Paya National Natural Park
Moderator: Dr. Miroslawa Alunowska, Space4Innovation
SUMMIT AGENDA - DAY 3
OCTOBER 27
INDIGENIZING EDUCATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION: INSIGHTS FROM THE GEO INDIGENOUS ALLIANCE BOOK
Session 5
15:00-16:30 Europe - CEST
Join us as we hear directly from the authors who have contributed their expertise and perspectives on how Indigenous knowledge and practices can inform climate education, fostering a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between communities and the environment.
Speakers:
Autumn Asher BlackDeer Decolonizing Data
Dr. Caelli Jo Brooker; Madison Shakespeare; and Dr. Michelle Catanzaro, A Creative Workshop Model
Kathleen Butler, Bundjalung and Worimi Aboriginal Nations and Shelly McGrath Ngali Garima Mala Jugun (We look after this Country)
Romola V. Thumbadoo, Tracking Climate Action Discourse in Indigenous Elder William Commanda’s Work
Dr. Laxmi , Indigenizing Education for Climate Change
Steven Ramage, Toward an Inclusive Geospatial Community
Kiado Cruz, Mi palabra, nuestro mundo
Titus Letaapo, Embracing Technology in Indigenous-Led Conservatios
James Rattling Leaf, Sr. Amplifying Indigenous Perspectives and Knowledge Systems
Dr. Miroslawa Alunowska Figueroa Integrating Ethical Principles in AI
Moderators: Allegra Villareal & Diana Mastracci Sanchez
SUCCESSFUL STORIES OF COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE GEO INDIGENOUS ALLIANCE & THE GEO COMMUNITY & OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLABORATION
Session 6
17:00-18:30 Europe - CEST
Speakers:
Dr. Janet Anstee, GEO Aquawatch, CSIRO
Luisa Teixeira & Charlotte Bishop NICFI Satellite Data Program, Planet/KSAT
Isabela Barriga & Jessica Webb World Resource Institute
María Cecilia Londoño Murcia, Instituto de Investigación de Recursos Biológicos
Alexander von Humboldt GEOBONDr. Emily Smail, GEO Blue Planet
Lightning Talks:
Dr. Maud Caroline Quinzin Title of talk: Cross-cultural knowledge sharing & assessment: concept note & call to collaboration
Moderator: Nikolina Mileva, European Space Agency
CLOSING CEREMONY -CHARTING PATHS FOREWORD
Our distinguished speakers will reflect on the profound connections made between Indigenous water resources, climate change, and Earth observations and set the compass towards a future of greater understanding, collaboration, and resilience.
18:30-19:00 Europe - CEST
OCTOBER 28 & 29
EARLY WARNING FOR ALL INDIGENOUS HACK
HACKATHON KICKOFF WELCOME CEREMONY
October 28
15:30-16:00 Europe - CEST
We'll begin with a heartfelt Indigenous opening prayer, honoring the deep connection to land and water. Following this sacred moment, the Indigenous challenges will be revealed. These challenges represent vital issues faced by Indigenous communities, offering opportunities for creative problem-solving.
NETWORKING & TEAM BULDING
October 28
16:00-16:30 Europe - CEST
This is where innovation thrives through collaboration. Engage with fellow participants, share ideas, and form teams that will tackle the Indigenous challenges ahead. Together, we'll harness diverse skills and perspectives to create meaningful solutions. Don't miss this opportunity to forge connections that will drive impactful change.
WORKSHOPS AND MENTORING
October 28
16:30-19:00 Europe - CEST
October 29
11:00-14:00 Europe - CEST
From 3:30 to 7:00 pm CEST, immerse yourself in a series of enriching workshops and mentoring sessions designed to hone your skills and empower your solutions. Join esteemed mentors, including experts from the NICFI Satellite Data Program, who will guide you on how to access and use Planet data. Dive deep into water remote sensing with Dr. Igor Ogashawara. Learn the art of crafting a compelling pitch from Art Director Alessandra Divizia, and master the skill of impactful storytelling with Allegra Villareal.
Whether you're an aspiring data scientist, an environmental enthusiast, or a creative mind, these workshops are designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to excel in the hackathon and beyond. Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your skills and drive innovation.
SOLUTION DEVELOPMENT ENDS
October 29
19:00-20:00 Europe - CET
It's time to wrap up the Solution Development phase. Hackers, your dedication and creativity have shone through, and now it's time to put the finishing touches on your solutions. This marks the conclusion of a day filled with innovation and collaboration. Get ready to showcase your remarkable achievements and prepare for the final stage of this exciting hackathon journey.
PITCHING SESSION
October 29
20:00-20:30 Europe - CEST
Each team will have the opportunity to present their projects, highlighting the impact and ingenuity behind their solutions. Get ready to be inspired by the innovative ideas and witness the power of collaboration in action. The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to this incredible hackathon event.
