A variety of existing technical programmes and models is being used to combat deforestation. These systems usually give a warning after the chainsaw has already started. Unfortunately, that is too late. WWF is working on a model that can predict illegal deforestation before the trees are being felled.

Intervene before deforestation

This new model is called an Early Warning System (EWS). It is able to connect big data such as satellite images with human activity. For example, if a road is being constructed somewhere, chances are that it turns out to be an access road for devices that cut down trees. Or the seasonal change from rainy to dry can cause increased access to the forests. This often results in a piece of forest going down. At such events, the system gives a notification to all relevant stakeholders, allowing them to take timely action in preventing deforestation.

For a more detailed explanation about EWS, please also read our FIG paper.

Current status

We have developed a medium-term model that can predict deforestation 6 months in advance. This model is currently being tested in an area in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The tests already achieved 80% accuracy!

Involve local people

The involvement of local stakeholders (such as villagers, organisations and government agencies) is an essential part of the process as they eventually become the users of EWS. Local and indigenous peoples in particular have been part of the project from step one. They often depend on the forest for their livelihood and have been protecting it for centuries. EWS also helps them with better protection, for example by preventing illegal deforestation in their community forest.

The target

With EWS, we aim to reduce the illegal logging of forests in Sumatra and Borneo by 10-35%. If local stakeholders are able to respond and act in time, we can achieve this. Within a few years, estimates are that EWS could reduce illegal deforestation by almost 30%. This not only prevents loss of habitat but also the release of CO2. We can really make a difference for nature with EWS!

Collaboration

We implement the Early Warning System together with governments and local communities. EWS is being developed by a collaboration with the Boston Consultancy Group and a ‘tech consortium’, led by Deloitte with AWS, Jheronimus Academy of Data Science and Utrecht University.

Support

EWS is partly supported by the Shared Resources, Joint Solutions (SRJS) programme, a strategic partnership with IUCN NL and the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With SRJS, we want to strengthen the capacity of local NGOs and civil society organisations in sixteen low- and middle-income countries. The programme aims to ensure climate resilience, water supply and food security by joining forces with the public and private sector.