THE FOREST LAND INFORMATION SYSTEM

By F.Mohit, forestry_mauritius


Is there a need to create a new Unit at the Forestry Service to run the Forest Land Information System (FLIS)?

Geographical Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) are powerful tools that are gradually being integrated in almost every field where geographical data are significant.  They are used worldwide in Forestry, Environment, Health, Public Utilities, Transport, Police, among others.  These technologies are becoming indispensable for good and effective decision-making and monitoring purposes.  The advantages are:-

• Visualisation impact
• Analytical capability
• Ability to integrate divergent sources of data
• Producing updated and updateable maps known as smart maps
• Sharing of information

They have many applications in forestry which include forest inventory, stock-mapping, change detection, forest encroachment,  forest fire, conservation of biological diversity, among others.  Moreover, in Mauritius, they could be used to effectively monitor and control deer ranching activities on leased state forest lands.

Historical Background

The FLIS was one of the main components of the project " Capacity Building for Sustainable Land Management in the Republic of Mauritius" funded by UNDP/GEF/FAO (2006-2010). Hardware, software, satellite imagery were purchased and some data ( raster, vector and attribute data) were acquired.  The FLIS was set up in 2009, but it was almost inactive due to lack of a GIS Specialist and trained staff.  One of the recommendations was to set up a Unit, known as the FLIS Unit, at the Forest Service.  However, owing to acute shortage of staff, it never materialised.

 Satellite Spot Imagery of the island of Mauritius (2006)

                                             

Present Situation

Some twenty three Forest Officers have just completed the first year of the Diploma in Forestry Course at the University of Mauritius.  They have successfully passed the module on GIS and RS and are eager to put the new knowledge acquired into practice.

The setting up of a FLIS unit is an opportunity to create additional posts.  The Unit could be under the charge of a CFCEO and assisted by a PFCEO, one SFCEO and two FCEOs!!!

What are your views and suggestions? The debate is hereby launched!!!

Acronyms
CFCEO: Chief Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer
PFCEO: Principal Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer
SFCEO: Senior Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer
FCEO: Forest Conservation & Enforcement Officer