Training on use of GIS and remote-sensing tools for forest fire risk assessment in Shan State, Myanmar

Background

Myanmar hosts diverse ecosystems and provides habitat to various flora and fauna. However, climate change and anthropogenic drivers have been causing ecosystems degradation and loss. Forest fires, human–wildlife conflict, and excessive forest resource extraction are some key issues affecting the forest ecosystems in Myanmar. Another major issue is unsustainable and unplanned infrastructure development, which directly impacts the forests. Considering the large dependence of local communities on these forests for ecosystem services, actions are needed to build resilience of these forest ecosystems.

Use of recent technologies along with remote-sensing and GIS tools could play an important role in helping decision makers in mapping and monitoring forest ecosystems. ICIMOD has been supporting Myanmar’s efforts on community forestry, first through Himalica and now through RMS. In this regard, ICIMOD’s Resilient Mountain Solutions Initiative, along with the Myanmar Institute for Integrated Development (MIID), has been conducting a joint activity on “Institutional capacity building on use of GIS and RS tools and datasets for forest management in Shan State” from October 2019, set to continue till early 2022. ICIMOD has also been working in Nepal with the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), Government of Nepal, on similar programmes concerning forest fire management and has been able to reduce forest fire risk in various places through effective planning management.

Under this activity, we conducted a workshop on 14 November 2019 in Taunggyi, Shan State, Myanmar, which was attended by more than 15 participants from different agencies including the Shane State Forest Department. On 11–13 August 2020, we will be conducting a more detailed virtual training to build on this capacity building, focusing this time on the use of GIS and remote-sensing tools for forest fire management in Shan State. Eight officials from the Shan State Forest Department are expected to participate. The sessions will be conducted virtually (through Skype) in English, with Burmese translations available.

Objectives

• Build understanding on GIS and remote-sensing tools and their application in forest management
• Build capacity on using GIS and remote-sensing tools for forest fire mapping and monitoring
• Prepare forest fire management plans for different townships in the State
• Enhance forest protection efforts

Expected outcomes

• Addition of new information on use of different tools and datasets for forest fire risk assessment
• Preparedness in reducing forest fire risk in Shan State
• Forest fire management plan for Shan State through a township-focused approach