Bhutan’s forests, covering an impressive 69% of the country’s land area, provide critical ecological services and support rich biodiversity. However, the increasing threat of forest fires poses significant risks to ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure. Recognizing this challenge, GeoNeon, in collaboration with ADPC, the Department of Local Governance and Disaster Management (DLDGM), and the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS), developed the Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index—a geospatial tool that transforms complex hazard and risk data into actionable insights.
To support data-driven decision-making for climate resilience, this project leverages cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Earth Observation. By utilizing satellite imagery and geospatial analytics, the Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index provides policymakers, disaster response teams, and local governments with critical insights to mitigate risks and allocate resources effectively.
The project aims to:
Identify high-risk areas prone to forest fires.
Enhance disaster preparedness through geospatial intelligence.
Optimize resource allocation for fire management and response.
Build local capacity through training and technology adoption.
Forest Fire Severity and Exposure Index tailored for Bhutan
Assessed exposure of 400,000+ buildings
Produced 8 knowledge products
Conducted 2 training sessions
Trained 20+ government officials
Collaborated with 30+ stakeholders
11,000+ people reached through social media events
20,500+ visitors on the platform
Utilized advanced geospatial technology and AI
Delivered key insights, enhancing forest fire preparedness and response in Bhutan
The Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index assessed over 400,000 buildings across the country, revealing that 24,221 structures (5.9%) fall into the “Relatively High” to “Extremely High” exposure categories. This data provides a crucial foundation for prioritizing mitigation efforts.
Dzongkhags: The regions with the most buildings classified under high forest fire exposure are Monggar, Trashigang, and Yangtse.
Gewogs: The Gewogs with the largest number of exposed buildings include Lungnyi, Mongar, and Bumdeling. Meanwhile, Jurmey, Kengaakhar, and Tsakaling Gewogs (all within Monggar Dzongkhag) report the highest exposure rates by percentage.
| Bushfire Exposure Index | Number of Buildings | Percentage of Total Buildings |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely High | 187 | 0.1% |
| Very High | 7,361 | 1.8% |
| Relatively High | 16,673 | 4.1% |
| Total | 24,221 | 5.9% |
Enhancement Safety Measures: Identify high-risk areas for targeted protection
Resource Optimisation: Direct efforts where they are needed most
Community Awareness: Inform communities about forest fire risks to encourage preparedness
Improved Planning: Support forest fire risk reduction strategies
Data-Driven Decisions: Offer real-time insights for policymakers and stakeholders
This project was made possible through the iCARE program, with support from the World Bank and ADPC. We extend our gratitude to our partners at DLDGM and DoFPS for their invaluable collaboration and commitment to building a more resilient Bhutan.
With the completion of this project, Bhutan is now equipped with a sophisticated tool to guide long-term forest fire risk reduction efforts. By combining geospatial insights, AI-powered analytics, and local expertise, the Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index lays the groundwork for continued innovation in climate resilience and disaster management.
Explore the platform and view the data at Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index.
GeoNeon remains committed to supporting governments, agencies, and organizations in using advanced geospatial technologies for climate adaptation and risk management. For inquiries about how our solutions can support your region, contact us at www.geoneon.com.