Enhancing Forest Monitoring Capacity Through the Earth Observation Satellite Technology
Forest monitoring is a very important activity in a sustainable management of forest resources. Currently, the most effective method of forest monitoring is via a satellite earth observation technology, especially the optical satellite, by which the information on large areas can be monitored in a shorter time.
As part of efforts to enhance the capability of forest monitoring system in many tropical countries, the United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA) along with Ecometrica has initiated Forests2020 designed to be implemented over three years to support REDD +, Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT), aspects of forest governance and biodiversity conservation. This activity is part of the International Partnership Program (IPP), which aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation in 2020, as well as promote forest governance and a better welfare of forest communities.
On January 31, 2017, held in Meeting Room A, IPB International Convention Center (IICC) Bogor, a launching is held of "Forests 2020" and a discussion of capacity building of national forest monitoring by using earth observation satellite technologies. The purpose is to present an implementation plan of Forests 2020 program to institutions related to forest monitoring. In addition, it is also to get feedback and suggestions from relevant institutions to be integrated into a detailed plan of Forests 2020 program during the next three years.
The invitees come from 33 institutions, both private and government. They are the Ministry of Environment and Forests (KLHK), Peat Restoration Agency, LAPAN, Geospatial Information Agency (BIG), National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB), Ministry of Agriculture, Perum Perhutani, BMKG, IPB’s Faculty of Forestry, WRI Indonesia, WWF Indonesia, Forest Watch Indonesia, CIFOR, ICRAF, UNDP, MCA-Indonesia, CPI, UNORCHID, Embassy of Norway, and APRIL Group.
The event is opened by Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Lailan Syaufina, M.Sc, followed by the presentations of the UK Climate Change Unit and PT Hatfield Indonesia. To accommodate the input, suggestions, questions from participants, discussion is held and led by Prof. Lilik Budi Prasetyo as moderator. Then there is a Focus Group Discussion on three topics: 1) increasing the capability of detecting and measuring changes in forest cover, 2) Identifying the areas that are prone to forest fires and pressure of conversion, and 3) development of digital infrastructure to improve access and satellite image processing, as well as the ability to disseminate information to the user of forest monitoring. A teleconference is also held with Ecometrica in London. *** (Mtd)
