As we reflect on our work at the Land Portal Foundation, we are continually inspired by the transformative power of open data, especially in the land sector. Our newly launched Open Data Champions Initiative celebrates the small but impactful contributions of open data champions worldwide, particularly those in the Global South, who are driving change at the country level and beyond. TheState of Land Information (SOLI) Program underscores our commitment to benchmarking and making land data more accessible and impactful. Together, these initiatives demonstrate that a few committed individuals and small organizations can contribute to driving change at the country level and beyond.
The State of Land Information (SOLI) Program: A Decade-Long Commitment
The SOLI Program is a long-standing commitment to benchmark and open land data. Launched over a decade ago, it has evolved into a comprehensive program encompassing the State of Land Information Index (SOLIndex), which assesses how transparent (complete and open) land data is across the globe. Through the SOLI Program, we strive to make land data more transparent, shareable and actionable in support of informed decision-making and greater accountability.The SOLI Program supports LANDVOC, a structured vocabulary, for more efficient indexing and retrieval of information improving discoverability. The Open Up Guide for Land Governance is a soft tool and resource to be used by governments and other organisations to improve the governance and publication of key datasets for land management at national level. National level report SOLI reports provide an overview of the information landscape while the results from the SOLIndex are published and a visualisation and analytics dashboard.
Another key element of the SOLI Program is its durable partnerships. The relationship with Global Data Barometer, Transparency International, International Land Coalition, and Prindex allow for the vital intersections between land data and tenure security, corruption, and gender equity. These partnerships expand our impact, improving efficiency and allowing for broader coverage of the information landscape. By leveraging our unique areas of expertise, we ensure both comprehensive and in-depth data representation.
The SOLIndex has expanded data collection to 42 countries in Africa and South America. The data from the SOLIndex is being used by our partners in the Global Data Barometer, LANDex, and the Global Land Observatory. As we grow SOLIndex into a global database, we're working to provide countries with tools and resources to enhance transparency, identify data gaps, and improve their land information systems.
Open Data Champions Initiative: The Power of Individuals
While the SOLI Programme is one of the pillars of the Land Portal’s work, the Open Data Champions Initiative brings to life the individuals working tirelessly to make land data accessible and impactful at country level. These champions, such as Royal Menare in Namibia, Mahmoud Solomon in Liberia, Oumou Kalsom Khoule Seck in Senegal, and Naome Kabanda in Uganda, exemplify the potential of open data. They are more than advocates; they are change-makers, deeply committed to enhancing transparency, fostering equitable access to land, and strengthening governance systems through open data.
Each champion brings a unique perspective and expertise. For instance, Royal Menare focuses on community-led data collection in informal settlements in Namibia, while Oumou Seck is instrumental in establishing Senegal's geospatial data infrastructure. Their stories illustrate how dedicated individuals can overcome challenges, inspire others, and catalyse change within their countries. These champions are helping to realise the SOLI Programme’s mission on the ground, and their experiences serve as invaluable resources for other land practitioners striving to adopt open data practices.
Why Open Data Matters for Governance
Open data can be a game-changer for governance. When data is accessible, shareable and free to use, it empowers citizens, strengthens government accountability, and fosters more inclusive decision-making. In Uganda, for example, Naome Kabanda's efforts in digitizing land records have led to increased transparency, reduced fraud, and improved access to information for all stakeholders. This impact aligns with our goals for both the SOLI Program and the Open Data Champions Initiative.
The Open Data Champions play a crucial role in promoting awareness of the importance of accessible land data and in building infrastructure and improving data quality in their countries. Mahmoud Solomon's work at the Liberia Land Authority focuses on addressing infrastructure and technical challenges to ensure Liberians have access to reliable land information. This access is critical for sustainable land management, food security, and socioeconomic development. Similarly, Oumou Seck's work in Senegal underscores the value of data in forming equitable land-use policies that support national development goals.
Bridging Global and Local Efforts through SOLI and the Champions Initiative
Through the Open Data Champions Initiative, we support a network of advocates who understand the local challenges of open data implementation and share the commitment to transparency. This alignment strengthens the Land Portal's work, and adapts tools to diverse national contexts and refine methodologies based on real-world feedback. The champions' experiences and insights help ground global initiatives in local realities, ensuring that the work is both relevant and effective.
As the Land Portal publishes the first batch of Open Data Champion profiles, it’s exciting to showcase how these leaders are pioneering new ways of making land data accessible and meaningful. Their stories represent collective progress and offer blueprints for others across the land sector. By making open data relatable and actionable, it can inspire a broader audience to embrace the principles of transparency, accessibility, and data-driven governance.
Looking Ahead: Building a Sustainable Future for Open Land Data
The SOLI programme and the Open Data Champions Initiative embody aspects of the collective determination as well as the aspiration to improve the transparency of land data worldwide. As the SOLI program continues to evolve alongside local champions, it can foster change that empower communities and governments alike. The champions' on-the-ground experiences offer invaluable lessons helping to improve data governance more tailored to the needs of each country.