The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) was awarded the 2026 Esri Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award, a distinction granted to only a small number of organisations from Esri's global user community each year. The award recognises innovation in the use of geospatial technologies to improve our world, and RCMRD's selection places it among the leading institutions advancing conservation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and biodiversity monitoring internationally.

Announced on July 13^th during the conference and formally presented at the Esri Awards Ceremony on July 15^th, the accolade celebrates the achievements of the Regional Centres of Excellence (RCoE).

This recognition highlights RCMRD's growing role as a regional hub supporting countries in East and Southern Africa in applying geospatial technologies for biodiversity monitoring, environmental reporting, and evidence-based decision-making. It also reflects the impact of the European Union's investment in RCoE under the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence Programme (ArcX).

Its international recognition extended this year with three maps nominated for the Esri Mapper's Choice Award. Two of these were developed under the RCoE, while the third was produced through the NaturAfrica Initiative, highlighting the strong synergies between these programmes in supporting biodiversity conservation.

Nominated Maps

Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE)

• Recorded Amphibian Species Richness by Country in Lego Style 
• Threatened Species in Eastern and Southern Africa Region 

NaturAfrica

• Transboundary Conservation Areas in the East African Community (EAC) 

To mark this milestone, the RCMRD released a StoryMap showcasing the journey, the award and the impact of their work.