This photo is copyrighted: it is the property of scukrov and its use must respect the restrictions associated with the source. Technology can aid forest conservation efforts by enabling scientists and forest managers to track changes in the environment, anticipate hazards, and take informed decisions.
Check out these five vital ways that technology can help.
1. Use of satellite images to track forest cover
A number of the satellites can look at large swathes of forest and don't need to send people to all of them. Change detection between one set of images to another can reveal variation in forest cover, highlighting sites for ground investigation.
For instance, if a monitoring system detects a patch of forest that has experienced a change in vegetation cover, conservationists can look into whether the change was linked to clearing, fire, a storm, or even an anomaly related to the season.
Images are good for spotting change, but they don't always tell us why it's occurring. We sometimes need to check it out on the ground and ask people.
2. Sensors help measure environmental conditions
Many other environmental conditions influence the health of the forest, such as soil moisture, temperature, water availability and other conditions on the ground.
Some projects include environmental monitoring instruments and sensors to collect repeated observations. These measurements may show trends that are not apparent from time to time visits to the site.
Say monitoring soil moisture at a restoration site: this data can help scientists better understand why recently planted trees are having trouble growing. The information may offer valuable clues in the context of information about the area's rainfall, soil type, and plant health.
3. Data analysis helps identify patterns
Monitoring naturally yields a lot of data. Software can assist with analysis of data from watching the environment to look for patterns or changes of note.
Where reasonable, including robust data, they may be used to direct researchers to the most promising areas or allow comparisons across sites.
But, an unexpected reading doesn't inherently mean there is a problem with the environment. Data quality, time of year and the local ecosystem need to be taken into account.
4. Better conservation planning 4. Better conservation planning.
Management Data is of little value unless it can influence actions.
For example, a team of conservation practitioners could integrate satellite images, survey data and soil measurements to identify sites that require more monitoring.
This information can be managed, documented and coordinated by teams using digital mapping and decision support systems.
The aim is to action people's observations of the environment rather than make observations as an end.
5. Long-term monitoring helps evaluate results
Saving the forest is not a one-off task. Ecosystems evolve, and restoration work requires regular evaluation.
By regularly monitoring, teams can compare these indicators from one season or year to another. It enables them to track improvements, to spot surprises, and to identify gaps that require attention.
UN Food and Agriculture Organization explains the use of remote sensing and forest monitoring systems for forest resource assessment and for detecting forest change.
Is technology enough to protect forests?
No. While technology may be able to enhance monitoring efforts, it is still unable to substitute for the planning of conservation, scientific knowledge, field verification or local people.
While satellite images can identify where forest have been altered, you may have to investigate the area on the ground to find out why. Sensors can indicate variation in soil moisture, but you need to analyse data from such sensors in the context of the ecosystem.
The best way to make a decision is to use the right technology in conjunction with sound on-the-ground information and understanding provided by people living in and working around forests.
In the end, technology helps forest conservation by taking what we see and turning it into information. If the data is trustworthy, measured consistently, and linked to in-the-moment decisions, it can help forest managers monitor their environment and manage forest ecosystems.
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