GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management in Ethiopia Assistant Researcher August 2007 Mengistie Kindu Forestry Research Center, EIAR

Introduction GIS Role of GIS for FRM in Eth. Current GIS based Research Projects Conclusion Overview

Introduction

GIS

Role of GIS for FRM in Eth.

Current GIS based Research Projects

Conclusion

Introduction Forest Resource in Ethiopia have a role: food, animal feed, & wood environmental protection, regulation of local and regional climates, & preventing desertification. Conservation, utilization and development of these resource requires proper forest management (FM)

Forest Resource in Ethiopia have a role:

food, animal feed, & wood

environmental protection,

regulation of local and regional climates, &

preventing desertification.

Conservation, utilization and development of these resource requires proper forest management (FM)

Introduction ----- continued Forest Management : is a collection of data, and the formulation of plans for the manipulation of the forest resources to preserve or supply products on a sustainable base It requires timely available forest information Geographical Information System (GIS) has a role to fill such gaps

Forest Management :

is a collection of data, and the formulation of plans

for the manipulation of the forest resources to preserve or supply products on a sustainable base

It requires timely available forest information

Geographical Information System (GIS) has a role to fill such gaps

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Concept and Definition By using GIS: planners and decision makers can explore a range of possible scenarios to solve complex problems. It is a system for performing operations when: acquiring geographic data performed by hand, are too tedious, too expensive, or too inaccurate. allows the user to collect and analyze data and view it in map or image GIS is a computer system: function used for collecting, compiling, storing, retrieving, transforming and displaying, updating, manipulating and analyzing all forms of geographically referenced data from the real world for particular set of purposes

Concept and Definition

By using GIS:

planners and decision makers can explore a range of possible scenarios to solve complex problems.

It is a system for performing operations when:

acquiring geographic data performed by hand, are too tedious, too expensive, or too inaccurate.

allows the user to collect and analyze data and view it in map or image

GIS is a computer system:

function used for collecting, compiling, storing, retrieving, transforming and displaying, updating, manipulating and analyzing all forms of geographically referenced data from the real world for particular set of purposes

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Components, ( computer hardware, Software and organizational context ) Computer hardware Computer or central processing unit, provides space for storing data and programs Digitizer is used to convert data from maps and documents in to digital form Plotter Plotter is used to present/print the results of the data processing

Components, ( computer hardware, Software and organizational context )

Computer hardware

Computer or central processing unit,

provides space for storing data and programs

Digitizer

is used to convert data from maps and documents in to digital form

Plotter

Plotter is used to present/print the results of the data processing

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Components, ( computer hardware, Software and organizational context ) Software component: there are many different types of GIS software MapInfo, ArcView, ArcInfo ArcGIS Organizational Context The acquired data has to be processed for a specific purpose. This needs a proper organization of the data. All the data has to be organized according to their nature and the type of activities to be used

Components, ( computer hardware, Software and organizational context )

Software component: there are many different types of GIS software

MapInfo,

ArcView,

ArcInfo

ArcGIS

Organizational Context

The acquired data has to be processed for a specific purpose. This needs a proper organization of the data. All the data has to be organized according to their nature and the type of activities to be used

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Data sources ( Existing digital and hardcopy documents; RS; and GPS) Existing digital and hardcopy documents Digital data are those that are stored in a way readable to computers. The hard copy data includes topographic maps, and land use maps particularly if they are in paper form

Data sources ( Existing digital and hardcopy documents; RS; and GPS)

Existing digital and hardcopy documents

Digital data are those that are stored in a way readable to computers.

The hard copy data includes topographic maps, and land use maps particularly if they are in paper form

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Data sources ( Existing digital and hardcopy documents; RS; and GPS) Remote Sensing (RS) is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, area, or phenomenon under investigation The device or Sensors used to collect the intended data are: NOAA (AVHRR) (1.1 km, launched 1972, every day) Landsat (30m, launched in 1972 &93, every 16 days) SPOT vegetation (20 m, launched in 1986, every 26 days), ASTER (15 m,30 m, & 90 m, launched in 1999) MODIS (250 m, 500 m, &1 km; launched in 1999, every 1 to 2 days) ICONOS ( 4m, launched in 1999 ) QUICKBIRD (61 cm, launched in 2001)

Data sources ( Existing digital and hardcopy documents; RS; and GPS)

Remote Sensing (RS)

is the science and art of obtaining information about an object, area, or phenomenon through the analysis of data acquired by a device that is not in contact with the object, area, or phenomenon under investigation

The device or Sensors used to collect the intended data are:

NOAA (AVHRR) (1.1 km, launched 1972, every day)

Landsat (30m, launched in 1972 &93, every 16 days)

SPOT vegetation (20 m, launched in 1986, every 26 days),

ASTER (15 m,30 m, & 90 m, launched in 1999)

MODIS (250 m, 500 m, &1 km; launched in 1999, every 1 to 2 days)

ICONOS ( 4m, launched in 1999 )

QUICKBIRD (61 cm, launched in 2001)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Data sources ( Existing digital and hardcopy documents; RS; and GPS) Global Positioning System (GPS) Used to collect ground data is also a powerful navigation tool that can guide us any where in the world. There are many types of GPS, which differ in their accuracy, memory capacity, and price .

Data sources ( Existing digital and hardcopy documents; RS; and GPS)

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Used to collect ground data

is also a powerful navigation tool that can guide us any where in the world.

There are many types of GPS, which differ in their accuracy, memory capacity, and price .

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Forest Resource Assessment GIS is applied to know how much of what type is found where Information on forest extent, and distribution of the forest is a necessary first step for effective FMP

Forest Resource Assessment

GIS is applied to know how much of what type is found where

Information on forest extent, and distribution of the forest is a necessary first step for effective FMP

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management FMP requires forest information by type Forest classification GIS helps to discriminate between different forest types

FMP requires forest information by type

Forest classification

GIS helps to discriminate between different forest types

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Forest cover change analysis GIS help to know the changes by overlying the data captured for a period of time For ensuring FRM, it is necessary to monitor the ongoing changes in forest land use/ land cover pattern over a period of time Disturbed forest Grazing land Crop land Bare land Forest land

Forest cover change analysis

GIS help to know the changes by overlying the data captured for a period of time

For ensuring FRM, it is necessary to monitor the ongoing changes in forest land use/ land cover pattern over a period of time

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Forest monitoring Deigning effective FMP requires timely available information for checking the situation of the forest resources. GIS support monitoring processes of forest resources by capturing the data needed to: identify the species and habitats at greatest risk (weed), to estimate level of pest infestation/infection to determine the spatial distribution and rate of fire occurrence to identify and follow the hotspot areas for disease occurrence.

Forest monitoring

Deigning effective FMP requires timely available information for checking the situation of the forest resources.

GIS support monitoring processes of forest resources by capturing the data needed to:

identify the species and habitats at greatest risk (weed),

to estimate level of pest infestation/infection

to determine the spatial distribution and rate of fire occurrence

to identify and follow the hotspot areas for disease occurrence.

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Suitability analysis for plantation/agro-forestry development increase productivity through the provision of shade and shelter, the production of alternative sources of livestock fodder GIS can answer the question which species can be planted where for the purpose of plantation/agro forestry development. plantation agro-forestry provision of scarce raw materials

Suitability analysis for plantation/agro-forestry development

increase productivity through the provision of shade and shelter, the production of alternative sources of livestock fodder

GIS can answer the question which species can be planted where for the purpose of plantation/agro forestry development.

provision of scarce raw materials

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Regeneration study FMP requires dynamics of regeneration after exploitation GIS help to identify the location of regenerated species

Regeneration study

FMP requires dynamics of regeneration after exploitation

GIS help to identify the location of regenerated species

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Forest yield modeling Forests have a long gestation period for the yield. One of the mechanisms to check this is the use of models to predict the yield based on the existing situations The forest yield could be inferred from the presence of certain parameters of forest resources using GIS modeling.

Forest yield modeling

Forests have a long gestation period for the yield.

One of the mechanisms to check this is the use of models to predict the yield based on the existing situations

The forest yield could be inferred from the presence of certain parameters of forest resources using GIS modeling.

Role of GIS for Sustainable Forest Resource Management Forest Scheduling Seed collection, pruning, thinning, harvesting and other major activities are important components of the forest management plan. GIS can answer various questions related to the different activities to be conducted: where should the tree seed be collected? When should seed be collected? How long will the seed be stored before use? How much and when the trees are thinned and pruned?

Forest Scheduling

Seed collection, pruning, thinning, harvesting and other major activities are important components of the forest management plan.

GIS can answer various questions related to the different activities to be conducted:

where should the tree seed be collected?

When should seed be collected?

How long will the seed be stored before use?

How much and when the trees are thinned and pruned?

CURRENT GIS BASED RESEARCH PROJECTS BY: The Forestry Research Center of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research

CURRENT GIS BASED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Current GIS Based Research Projects Project title: Forest Land Conversion Analysis in Bonga Area Background  SW Ethiopia, Kefa Zone (Bonga area forest): Last remnant forest are found genetic centre and origin of Coffee arabica Shrinking Thus better to show evidence to decision makers Specific Objectives: State of forest land cover , evaluate the changes over a period of time; & to identify the driving forces for the changes

Project title: Forest Land Conversion Analysis in Bonga Area

Background

 SW Ethiopia, Kefa Zone (Bonga area forest):

Last remnant forest are found

genetic centre and origin of Coffee arabica

Shrinking

Thus better to show evidence to decision makers

Specific Objectives:

State of forest land cover ,

evaluate the changes over a period of time; &

to identify the driving forces for the changes

Current GIS Based Research Projects satellite images Topographic maps produced earlier structured questionnaires. Methods: digital image processing (image classification and interpretation); and overlaying to check the changes using GIS and RS software’s SPSS software for descriptive analysis of the socioeconomic data collected for identifying the driving forces Expected Outputs: Information on Forest Land Cover Change dynamics and the driving force of Bonga forest, southwestern Ethiopia Data Sources:

satellite images

Topographic maps produced earlier

structured questionnaires.

Methods:

digital image processing (image classification and interpretation); and overlaying to check the changes using GIS and RS software’s

SPSS software for descriptive analysis of the socioeconomic data collected for identifying the driving forces

Expected Outputs:

Information on Forest Land Cover Change dynamics and the driving force of Bonga forest, southwestern Ethiopia

Data Sources:

Current GIS Based Research Projects Project title: Suitability analysis of five economically viable trees / shrubs species in Ethiopia using GIS technique Background Situation in Ethiopia: Cultivation in unsuitable areas Various companies are flourishing It is wise to identify suitable land for specific uses based on the requirement of the species for optimum utilization while causing minimum impact to the environment. Objective Identify suitable land for five economically viable tree/ shrub species

Project title: Suitability analysis of five economically viable trees / shrubs species in Ethiopia using GIS technique

Background

Situation in Ethiopia:

Cultivation in unsuitable areas

Various companies are flourishing

It is wise to identify suitable land for specific uses based on the requirement of the species for optimum utilization while causing minimum impact to the environment.

Objective

Identify suitable land for five economically viable tree/ shrub species

Current GIS Based Research Projects Species under study (Vitellaria, Moringa, apple tree, Jatropha, and Rubber tree). Known to be used for various purposes widely found in western parts of Ethiopia Can we take this species to other part of our country? Moringa stenopetala commonly known as cabbage tree, All parts of the tree except the wood are edible highly nutritious food for both humans and animals. is native only to south Ethiopia and northern Kenya Can we take this species to other part of our country? Leaf ( Tooth & headache) Fruit (Food), Bark (Treats leprosy) Kernel (Oil & butter) Wood ( C & Energy) Vitellaria paradoxa ssp. Nilotica

Species under study (Vitellaria, Moringa, apple tree, Jatropha, and Rubber tree).

Known to be used for various purposes

widely found in western parts of Ethiopia

Can we take this species to other part of our country?

Moringa stenopetala

commonly known as cabbage tree,

All parts of the tree except the wood are edible

highly nutritious food for both humans and animals.

is native only to south Ethiopia and northern Kenya

Can we take this species to other part of our country?

Leaf ( Tooth & headache)

Fruit (Food),

Bark (Treats leprosy)

Kernel (Oil & butter)

Wood ( C & Energy)

Vitellaria paradoxa ssp. Nilotica

Current GIS Based Research Projects Species under study (Vitellaria, Moringa, apple tree, Jatropha, and Rubber tree). Apple tree (Malus domestica) a fruit with good market opportunity Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis ) for rubber production Jatropha curcas L is a promising, clean alternative energy source species (bio diesel)

Species under study (Vitellaria, Moringa, apple tree, Jatropha, and Rubber tree).

Apple tree (Malus domestica)

a fruit with good market opportunity

Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis )

for rubber production

Jatropha curcas L

is a promising, clean alternative energy source species (bio diesel)

Current GIS Based Research Projects Study site and Methodology . Study site national scale Methods: Spatial analyses of each target species within GIS environment Expected out put . Map of suitable areas for each economically tree/shrub

Study site and Methodology .

Study site

national scale

Methods:

Spatial analyses of each target species within GIS environment

Expected out put .

Map of suitable areas for each economically tree/shrub

Conclusion The Ethiopian forest resource can be conserved and wisely utilized though effective forest management plan. GIS clearly can contribute to the designing of sustainable Ethiopian forest management plan by providing the required information

The Ethiopian forest resource can be conserved and wisely utilized though effective forest management plan.

GIS clearly can contribute to the designing of sustainable Ethiopian forest management plan by providing the required information

Thank you Mengistie Kindu [email_address]

Thank you