Information Technology Approaches to Forest Management

The majority of the world’s forests occur where there is a dry season long enough to affect a seasonal change in the forest community. The seasonal forest may include evergreen, semi-deciduous, deciduous trees, or some combination of these. Local differences in soil or other site characteristics often determine which community persists. Since the seasonal forests exist where there is seasonal precipitation, the character of the forest is closely associated with the length of the rainy season. As the length of the rainy season decreases, the density of the canopy decreases. If the global climate system warms and prolonged drought gives way to desertification, entire forests are likely to disappear. This can lead to a negative feedback loop because forests are a critical element in mitigating climatic change due to their ability to slow the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer forests will result in an increase in carbon dioxide levels. To counter this negative scenario, forest researchers are turning to options for reducing carbon dioxide including reducing deforestation, reforestation projects, establishing urban forests, improved forest management, and enhanced harvesting techniques. Among the new technologies in these endeavors are Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This study analyzes various afforestation and reforestation projects and examines the value of conservation and restoration as a means of mitigating climate change while improving local ecosystems and economies. Key-Words: GIS, reforestation, afforestation, management, climate change, carbon dioxide, sequestration