SERVIR Profile of Stella Ofori-Ampofo

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Name: Stella Ofori-Ampofo
Affiliation: SERVIR-WA / CERSGIS
Role/Title: Land Use/Land Cover Thematic Lead
Year you joined SERVIR: 2016

Please introduce yourself. What are you passionate about?
My name is Stella and I work as a remote sensing data analyst utilizing Earth Observation (EO) technologies to monitor changes on the Earth's surface. Impressed by its capabilities and wide range of applications, I like collaborating with colleagues in related fields to translate spatial data into accurate and timely information to aid in decision making for the sustainable use of natural resources.

What initially attracted you to this field of work?
The world's population is projected to reach 9 billion in 2040. That will mean more and more demands for resources. Without proper management, these resources will quickly run out. With my love for computer technologies and interest in geography, I want to be part of the collaborative effort to apply geographical knowledge to address challenging societal and environmental issues in diverse areas.

What SERVIR activity are you currently working on?
I am currently working on charcoal production site monitoring in West Gonja and Sene Districts of Ghana. The goal of this service is to use EO technologies and reference data to identify/map charcoal production sites and develop a monitoring system to provide information for environmental planning at the district level.

How does your work generate positive change?
Outputs from my work are usually information in the form of maps (e.g. land cover, terrain information, suitable sites, etc.) to guide the decision making process for improving management practices or planning restoration interventions. In addition, I participate in capacity building programmes aimed at educating stakeholders to interpret, use, or develop knowledge/information products related to EO to address environmental challenges.