Case Studies on How Mobile Data Collection is Transforming Forestry Management and Conservation
Forestry is a crucial sector that attracts global attention, especially in the context of the ongoing climate change discussion.
As global organizations race against time to save the rapidly decreasing forest cover, governments have also stepped up their afforestation efforts.
The Government of Kenya, for instance, has laid out an ambitious plan to plant 15 billion trees by 2032.
Despite these commendable efforts, the lack of attention to data significantly hinders their effectiveness.
An environmental scientist uses a tablet while working under the shade of a forest canopy. Picture/Courtesy
Here are some forestry projects that have implemented mobile data collection to improve efficiency and drive better results:
1. Open Foris in Forest Inventory and Monitoring in Tanzania
Open Foris is a set of free and open-source software tools developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
This revolutionary technology has assisted FAO and countries around the world collect, analyzing, and reporting data on forests and land use.
It is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, even for those with limited technical expertise.
OpenForis came in handy in a collaboration between Tanzania’s Ministry of Forestry and Tourism, Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), and FAO.
Project Details
- For the past 16 years, FAO has partnered with the Tanzanian government in a special forestry program dubbed NAFORMA (National Forest Monitoring and Assessment).
- Initially conducted between 2009-14, the program was aimed at helping the government track forest conditions, identify trends such as deforestation or degradation, and make informed decisions to improve forest conservation.
- FAO introduced a set of mobile data collection tools called Open Foris later in 2017 to improve its conservation efforts in the country.
- The initial budget for the project was approximately $300,000, including the costs of training, software implementation, mobile devices, and the development of data collection protocols.
- This initiative was especially crucial in a country where forest conservation efforts face significant data collection, reporting, and monitoring challenges.
Challenges Before the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection in Tanzania Forestry Conservation Efforts
- Previous data collection approaches relied heavily on paper forms and manual entry, which were prone to errors, delays, and inefficiencies.
- Different teams used varied methods and formats for recording data, leading to inconsistencies and a lack of reliable information.
- Remote areas of Tanzania, including the vast tropical rainforests, were difficult to monitor effectively due to logistical challenges.
A stunning view of the forested, wildlife-filled Ngorongoro Crater, a popular tourist destination in Tanzania. Picture/Courtesy
Benefits After Adoption of Mobile Data Collection Tools
Key beneficiaries of the project including the Tanzanian authorities, local communities, FAO personnel, researchers, and scientists saw the following positive effects:
Key beneficiaries of the project including the Tanzanian authorities, local communities, FAO personnel, researchers, and scientists saw the following positive effects:
- OpenForis provided precise GPS-based data collection, reducing human error in forest inventory and monitoring.
- The Tanzanian government agency overseeing forest resources in Tanzania benefited from more accurate and timely data for policymaking and forest management decisions.
- Environmental scientists and forestry experts benefited from access to high-quality, real-time data for conducting research and supporting forest preservation efforts.
- Environmental scientists and forestry experts benefited from access to high-quality, real-time data for conducting research and supporting forest preservation efforts.
- The adoption of OpenForis contributed to more sustainable forest management practices by providing accurate data to support long-term conservation strategies.
Sources
- Tanzania national forest resources monitoring and assessment (NAFORMA) – Tanzania forest services, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism
- Open Foris: Free open-source solutions for forest and land monitoring – FAO
2. Use of Drones in Monitoring Urban and Rural Forests – Institute for Digital Forestry
The Institute for Digital Forestry is a research center at Purdue University, primarily dedicated to the application of digital technologies to forestry management and conservation.
Its signature approaches include the use of data science, remote sensing, drones, and AI to improve forest management.
Based at Purdue University in the United States, the institute has conducted numerous digital forest monitoring and management across the country.
The institute also educates students and collaborates with government agencies, private industries, and conservation organizations to implement digital forestry practices.
Project Details
- Beginning in 2021, the institute integrated aerial remote sensing and drones to measure, monitor, and manage forests.
- Purdue University researchers have used drones equipped with advanced sensors to assess wildfire risks, enabling the identification of high-risk areas and informing mitigation strategies.
- Through multispectral, hyperspectral, and thermal sensors, drones provide detailed data on forest composition, tree health, soil, and environmental changes.
- The drone’s LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology captures high-resolution images and supplies 3D data of forests.
- This helps researchers develop precise forest inventories by accurately measuring tree location, diameter, tree height, canopy cover, and forest density.
Challenges Before the Adoption of Drones
- Traditional ground-based methods provided limited geographical coverage and resolution, making it difficult to monitor large forest areas effectively.
- Manual surveys were labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring significant human and financial resources.
- Using different data collection methods often led to inconsistencies, hindering accurate analysis and decision-making.
LiDAR-equipped drones capture 3D forest data, allowing researchers to accurately map tree characteristics for precise inventories. Picture/Courtesy
Key Benefits After the Adoption of Drone Technology in Forest Monitoring and Management
- Drones provide high-resolution imagery and data, enabling precise assessments of forest conditions.
- Automated data collection through drones has significantly reduced the time, labor, and costs required for surveys.
- Drones facilitate real-time data collection, allowing for timely interventions and management decisions.
- Local Communities benefitted from enhanced ecosystem services, such as clean water and air.
Sources
- How Drones are Revolutionizing Forestry – Institute for Digital Forestry, Purdue University
- Seeing the Forest for the Drones – WSJ Business
3. iTree for Mobile Data Collection in Urban Forest Management – California, USA
San Francisco’s tree cover is a key feature of the city’s green infrastructure, contributing to its environmental and social well-being.
The city has an extensive tree canopy that spans its neighborhoods, parks, and street corridors, with iconic trees such as the coast live oak standing in both public spaces and private properties.
In recent years, San Francisco has prioritized expanding and maintaining its tree cover through various initiatives, including tree planting programs and urban forestry management.
Project Details
- In 2012, with an estimated 105,000 public trees, the City of San Francisco contracted Davey Resource Group (DRG) to conduct an inventory (tree census) of public trees across four neighborhoods.
- This effort was part of the City’s initiative to collect information for the development of an Urban Forest Plan in 2013.
- iTree, a suite of software tools developed by the U.S. Forest Service, was then adopted by the City of San Francisco as part of an urban forest management project.
- The project gathered tree inventory data from the neighborhoods of Bayview, North Beach, Outer Sunset, and Western Addition, along with additional trees along major commercial areas.
- San Fransisco spent money drawn out of its $4 million tree budget for the year 2012 on this project.
Challenges Before the Adoption of Mobile Data Collection
- Data on urban trees was collected using various outdated methods such as paper forms, making it very difficult to assess the overall health of the city’s urban forest.
- Tree inventory data was recorded on paper forms, which led to errors, data loss, and delays in processing information.
- The lack of real-time data meant that the city’s urban forest managers often made decisions based on outdated or incomplete information.
The vibrant greenery of Dolores Park in San Francisco, California. Picture/Courtesy
Key Benefits After the Adoption of iTree Mobile Data Collection in San Fransisco Tree Management Efforts
- The city benefited from enhanced management of its urban forest, enabling better resource allocation and increased resilience against challenges like climate change.
- Residents benefited from improved air quality, enhanced green spaces, and a healthier urban environment.
- Arborists and urban forestry professionals gained access to more accurate data, prioritize maintenance, and ensure tree longevity.
- City planners and decision-makers benefited from improved data that supported better urban planning for the city’s future development.
Source
City & County of San Fransisco Street Tree Census: Resource Analysis of Inventoried Public Trees – City of San Fransisco
4. TIMBY for Tracking Illegal Logging in Liberia
TIMBY (This Is My Backyard) is a mobile data collection platform designed to help communities and organizations monitor and manage environmental and infrastructure projects.
TIMBY data collection platform has inspired significant success against dangerous illegal logging activities.
The insatiable demand for rare hardwood in the global timber market has caused unprecedented clearing of indigenous tropical forests in areas such as Liberia.
Project Details
- In Liberia, the mobile data collection platform TIMBY was deployed to address the critical issue of illegal logging, which was causing widespread deforestation,
- The project began in 2017 championed by The Liberia Forest Initiative (LFI), a coalition of NGOs, government agencies, and local communities working to combat deforestation.
- With an approximate budget of $150,000, the project covered the forested regions in Liberia, including the Sinoe, Grand Bassa, and River Cess counties, which are known hotspots for illegal logging activities.
Challenges Before the Adoption of TIMBY in Liberia’s Efforts Against Illegal Logging
- Illegal logging activities were often difficult to track due to the lack of a centralized, efficient system for reporting and monitoring forest-related crimes.
- Many of the areas where illegal logging occurred were remote and difficult to access, making it hard for authorities to conduct regular inspections.
- Local communities, that were most affected by illegal logging, had limited means of participating in monitoring and reporting such activities.
- Due to a lack of timely and accurate data, government agencies and NGOs struggled to respond promptly to illegal logging activities.
Mobile data collection can play a crucial role in monitoring and combating illegal logging by providing real-time tracking and reporting of deforestation activities. Picture/Courtesy
Key Benefits of Mobile Data Collection in Liberia’s Efforts Against Deforestation
- TIMBY allowed local community members, environmental groups, and forestry officers to report illegal logging activities in real-time using mobile devices.
- Local communities, who are often the first to witness illegal activities, have become key in the monitoring and reporting process.
- Data collected through TIMBY included geotagged photos and videos of illegal activities and provided credible evidence that could be used to hold loggers accountable in court.
- TIMBY facilitated transparency in the management of Liberia’s forests by allowing a wide range of stakeholders, including local citizens, international organizations, and the government, to access real-time information.
Source
Perimeter Defense: 4 Technologies for Detecting and Preventing Illegal Logging – World Resources Institute
Also read: Mobile Data Collection Digitizes the Mining Sector: Real-World Case Studies
5. Lukim Gather for Forest Monitoring and Reporting – Papua New Guinea
Lukim Gather is a mobile app that enables communities in Papua New Guinea, especially those near protected areas, to collect and share environmental data.
Papua New Guinea’s forests are among the most biodiverse in the world, covering around 60% of the country’s land area, and home to numerous plant and animal species.
These forests play a critical role in the global climate system, acting as major carbon cleaners and supporting the livelihoods of many indigenous communities.
These benefits have led to the designation of the jungles as protected areas to safeguard them against harmful activities like illegal logging.
Project Details
- Lukim Gather was deployed to empower local communities to actively participate in reporting illegal logging activities, track land use changes, and monitor the health of their forests.
- The Lukim Gather platform was adopted in 2018 as part of an ongoing effort to enhance transparency and improve forest governance in Papua New Guinea.
- The effort was led by The Papua New Guinea Forest Authority (PNGFA) in partnership with local communities, and global partners such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Papua New Guinea is a stunningly diverse country, rich in Indigenous cultures and natural beauty, lush rainforests, and towering mountains. Picture/Courtesy
Challenges Before the Implementation of Mobile Data Collection In Papua New Guinea’s Conservation Efforts
- Illegal logging, often linked to large-scale commercial interests, was difficult to track due to a lack of efficient monitoring tools.
- Many of the logging activities occurred in remote, hard-to-reach areas, which made it difficult for authorities to detect.
- Communities living near forests often had limited opportunities to report illegal activities
- Enforcement of logging regulations was more difficult
Key Benefits After Adoption of Mobile Data Collection
- Lukim Gather allowed local communities to actively participate in forest monitoring by providing them with easy-to-use mobile tools to collect data.
- The platform enabled communities to report illegal logging activities in real-time by capturing geo-tagged photos and videos which were immediately sent to the relevant authorities.
- Lukim Gather facilitated more effective forest management by providing real-time, accurate data that was accessible to all stakeholders.
- Authorities and conservation organizations could analyze the data collected to better allocate resources, prioritize areas for intervention, and take timely action against illegal logging operations.
- By documenting evidence of illegal logging activities, Lukim Gather supported stronger enforcement of forest protection laws.
Source
Lukim Gather – Data Friendly Space
