11-07, 14:30– (Australia/Hobart), Main Auditorium
Bhutan faces increasing forest fire threats due to climate change. Geoneon developed an open-source geospatial tool integrating Forest Fire Severity and Exposure Indices for long-term preparedness. Collaborating with Bhutanese partners and funded by the World Bank, the project aims for sustainable, independent fire management by the Bhutanese government.
Bhutan, a nation deeply committed to environmental conservation, faces increasing threats from forest fires exacerbated by climate change. To address these challenges, Geoneon has developed an innovative open-source geospatial tool designed to enhance forest fire management and resilience across the country. This project integrates the Forest Fire Severity Index and the Forest Fire Exposure Index, providing comprehensive and real-time data on forest fire risks.
The Forest Fire Severity Index estimates potential fire intensity by combining satellite imagery, topographical data, weather patterns, and climate conditions. The Forest Fire Exposure Index assesses the vulnerability of buildings by mapping their footprints and comparing them with the severity index. Together, these indices offer a robust framework for understanding and managing forest fire risks, enabling targeted mitigation and resource allocation.
This project is a collaborative effort involving key Bhutanese partners, including the Department of Local Governance & Disaster Management and the Department of Forests and Park Services. It is funded by the World Bank and administered by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center.
Future development includes integrating weather and climate components, refining algorithms, and enhancing data sources. Ultimately, the Bhutanese government will be able to run the algorithms independently and publish the results on their own portals, fostering a sustainable and resilient approach to forest fire management.
This presentation will discuss the development process, key features, current status, and future directions of the project, highlighting the importance of open-source tools in addressing environmental challenges.
I am a Natural Hazard Specialist with a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences and Environment. With a career that includes geoconsulting for over 30 major energy projects, such as subsea cable and offshore wind, I have demonstrated an ability to deliver cost-saving, sustainable solutions. My work extends beyond Geoneon, contributing to research in paleogeography, climate, and environmental sciences, aiming to deepen our understanding of Earth's history. A co-founder of Geoneon, I collaborate with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to forge resilient strategies against climate change, emphasising climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Roxane is the CEO and co-founder of Geoneon, a technology firm that leverages Earth Observation, Artificial Intelligence and data fusion to map climate risk and vegetation. With a background in disaster risk reduction, spatial sciences, and international relations, she emphasises the importance of cross-border collaboration, knowledge dissemination, and impactful partnerships. Throughout her career, Roxane has offered advisory services to government agencies, leveraging her geospatial expertise to shape water exploration, bushfire management, and emergency service strategies.