15 Aug What is LiDAR Technology in Canopée Projects?
Recently, we emphasized Forest Management as a crucial strategy for the protection of conservation areas, the planting of native species, the promotion of sustainable use of natural resources, and forest certification. This ensures that we continue to obtain forest products for economic purposes without causing environmental degradation or harm to the communities living there. As mentioned, all of this is made possible through the use of advanced technologies for forest monitoring and mapping. Today, we will delve into the technology called LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and explore how it can also be a valuable tool for REDD+ carbon projects.
The acronym REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation, encompassing projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from deforestation and forest degradation, as is the case with “Yuxibu.” The “Legal Amazon” comprises the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, Tocantins, and part of Maranhão. In Acre, Canopée established the “Yuxibu” project specifically in Fazendas São Jorge I, São Jorge II, and Mucuripe, located in the city of Sena Madureira.
The area is predominantly inhabited by traditional peoples and communities, such as the Huni Kuin indigenous community, and has consistently exhibited high deforestation rates, compromising not only the native biome but also the local population. The project has been protecting the forest since 2005, and all its actions are geared towards aiding the development of local communities. The carbon emissions reduction target for this region is set at 3,311,169 tons of CO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) over a 30-year period. The term “CO2eq” refers to any other greenhouse gas emitted. Achieving an ambitious goal like this necessitates the essential assistance of LiDAR technology.
To give an idea, LiDAR can generate an accurate three-dimensional model of the forest surface, including tree height, density, and terrain topography. This enables the precise estimation of biomass and carbon stored in the forests, allowing REDD+ projects to quantify carbon emission reductions with greater accuracy and credibility. LiDAR proves to be an essential tool for the assessment and certification of these projects. Moreover, LiDAR can also be employed to monitor forest cover over time, identifying areas susceptible to deforestation or degradation, facilitating effective enforcement actions.
While this information enables more efficient and sustainable forest management, it is important to emphasize that LiDAR technology is not a singular and definitive solution for projects like this aimed at mitigating climate change. The success of such projects still depends on a series of human factors. These include the participation and consultation of local communities, the adoption of responsible management practices, and the establishment of efficient and transparent monitoring systems.
Through sustainable socio-environmental projects like “Yuxibu,” Canopée seeks to promote mitigation and adaptation solutions to the effects of climate change while prioritizing the well-being of local communities and the conservation of natural resources. LiDAR technology is a valuable tool in these efforts, contributing to the monitoring and sustainable management of the region’s forests.