Abstract
In this study, we develop a vegetation monitoring framework which is applicable at a planetary scale, and is based on the BACI (Before-After, Control-Impact) design. This approach utilizes Google Earth Engine, a state-of-the-art cloud computing platform. A web-based application for users named EcoDash was developed. EcoDash maps vegetation using Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) products (the MOD13A1 and MYD13A1 collections) from both Terra and Aqua sensors from the years 2000 and 2002, respectively. to detect change in vegetation, we define an EVI baseline period, and then draw results at a planetary scale using the web-based application by measuring improvement or degradation in vegetation based on the user-defined baseline periods. We also used EcoDash to measure the impact of deforestation and mitigation efforts by the Vietnam Forests and Deltas (VFD) program for the Nghe An and Thanh Hoa provinces in Vietnam. Using the period before 2012 as a baseline, we found that as of March 2017, 86% of the geographical area within the VFD program shows improvement, compared to only a 24% improvement in forest cover for all of Vietnam. Overall, we show how using satellite imagery for monitoring vegetation in a cloud-computing environment could be a cost-effective and useful tool for land managers and other practitioners
Highlights
Forest ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to humans [1,2,3] but remain under great pressure due to population growth and economic development
Monitoring changes in vegetation and forest cover is a necessary task for conscientious land managers in the wake of extensive deforestation, urban growth and other land use change
Using an interface like EcoDash, previously difficult-to-access earth observations can be leveraged by non-technical end users using cloud-based computing platforms such as the Google Earth Engine, which provides free access and ease-of-use across a vast diversity of users
Summary
Forest ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits to humans [1,2,3] but remain under great pressure due to population growth and economic development. Deforestation and degradation are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, while forest management and restoration programs can improve livelihoods, create jobs, and improve economic growth in local communities. They can lead to healthier environments, functioning ecosystem services, and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. This latter issue, the protection of forest ecosystems and subsequent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is an important item in the international environmental fora. The challenge in all of these initiatives is that developing countries often need extensive support to implement climate resilient strategies and protect their natural resources for future generations. Many international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) offer generous support for the implementation of such strategies, but have strict guidelines on monitoring, evaluation and report on the impact of the measures which may be difficult for the host country to adhere to without specialized technical support
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