INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT IN MEKONG REGION

This project showcases technological innovation by deploying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for enhanced fire prevention, detection, monitoring, and management in Viet Nam and Cambodia, two of the Mekong region's most forest fire-prone countries. The core of the system is a GIS-based platform designed to simulate and predict areas vulnerable to fire, enabling timely preventive interventions. Control measures will be supported by real-time and/or early forest fire detection through foot and drone patrols, facilitating real-time reporting and efficient response deployment. Leveraging the smart, data-driven forest fire management technological innovation of the Republic of Korea, this initiative will be adapted as a pioneering effort in both Viet Nam and Cambodia, considering their specific local conditions. In-country awareness campaigns, collaborative arrangements, and capacity-building activities will be integral to the project. These efforts will empower both government agencies and the public to collaboratively address forest fires using the ICT-based FFM protocol developed within the project. Lessons learned during implementation will be documented and shared with other Mekong and AFoCO member countries to promote broader adoption of innovative solutions to forest fire challenges. The project aligns with AFoCo's climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management initiatives and is consistent with MKCF environment priorities, aiming to enhance international cooperation within the Mekong region.  Read more...