Forest degradation threatens biodiversity, watershed health, carbon storage, and livelihoods of forest-dependent communities. SPARC developed an integrated GIS-based Forest Resource Mapping and Monitoring Platform for landscape restoration in Uttarakhand.
Challenge
Restoring degraded landscapes requires accurate information on vegetation condition, terrain, soils, and water resources. Conventional planning methods often rely on fragmented datasets and manual assessments, making it difficult to prioritize restoration investments, monitor implementation, and demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes.
Solution
SPARC developed an integrated GIS-based Forest Resource Mapping and Monitoring Platform combining high-resolution satellite imagery, GIS, digital terrain analysis, field surveys, and spatial decision-support models. A comprehensive Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) framework enables continuous tracking of restoration activities through WebGIS dashboards, mobile applications, and standardized reporting tools.
Results
The project established a transparent, data-driven framework for planning and monitoring forest restoration. It improved prioritization of interventions, strengthened accountability through measurable indicators, and supports climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and carbon-focused landscape restoration worldwide.
Highlights & Impact
- Implemented in the Himalayan State of Uttarakhand where 800+ degraded forest landscapes were identified, mapped, planned and monitored for eco-restoration involving forest-dependent communities.
- Aligned with UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, nature-based climate solutions, and results-based environmental financing.
Technology Used
- Enterprise WebGIS & GIS
- Remote Sensing & High-Resolution Satellite Imagery
- Digital Elevation Models & Watershed Analysis
- Multi-Criteria Spatial Decision Analysis (MCDA)
- Mobile GIS & MRV Systems
- PostGIS Dashboards & API-enabled Enterprise GIS