Thimphu, Bhutan – The Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index, a pioneering platform for assessing and managing forest fire risks across Bhutan, launches today. Developed in partnership with the Bhutan Department of Local Governance & Disaster Management, the Department of Forests and Park Services, and international collaborators, this platform empowers Bhutan to proactively address the growing threat of forest fires, heightened by climate change.
Funded by the World Bank and administered by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), the Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index combines advanced geospatial technology and real-time data to offer insights into fire severity and building exposure across the country. This tool enables government agencies, local authorities, and communities to prioritize safety measures, allocate resources effectively, and make informed decisions for forest fire mitigation and resilience.
With 69% of Bhutan’s land covered by forests and 26% designated as protected areas, the nation’s biodiversity and communities are at increased risk from forest fires. This platform provides communities and agencies with actionable data, supporting data-driven preparedness and resilience strategies to protect Bhutan's natural and built environments.
To explore the platform, visit https://bhutan.geoneon.com
Key Features of the Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index:
- Forest Fire Severity Index: Estimates fire intensity across various areas based on climate, vegetation, topography, and weather data.
- Building Exposure Index: Assesses the exposure of buildings to forest fires, enabling communities and authorities to prioritize protection measures.
- Real-Time Data Access: Provides regularly updated information, allowing users to stay informed and respond quickly to evolving fire risks.
The platform will continue to evolve, with plans to add further features, data layers, and resources. In the future, Bhutanese government agencies will be able to operate the tool independently and publish results to their own platforms, ensuring long-term sustainability.
In the same week as the platform launch, Geoneon’s CTO, Dr. Alexandre Bandini-Maeder, and Cameron Poole, Lead Data Engineer, will be in Thimphu to conduct capacity-building workshops with members of the Bhutanese government and university community. This training aims to equip local stakeholders with the skills to operate and maintain the platform, fostering Bhutan’s long-term resilience to forest fires.
Quotes from Project Partners:
“The Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index represents a significant step forward in protecting Bhutan’s communities and environment. By empowering stakeholders with forest fire severity and exposure data, we are fostering a safer, more resilient future,” said Roxane Bandini-Maeder, CEO at Geoneon, the project’s lead developer.
“This platform will enable our teams to make more informed decisions about forest fire preparedness and response. Having access to updated data allows us to better allocate resources and protect both people and natural resources,” said a representative from the Department of Local Governance & Disaster Management.
“The Bhutan Forest Fire Exposure Index is a crucial advancement for our national forest management strategies. It strengthens our ability to manage fire risks and protects communities and the biodiversity that is integral to Bhutan’s cultural and environmental heritage,” said a spokesperson from the Department of Forests and Park Services.
