Application of GIS System for Real-time Forest Cover Monitoring

Globally, the influx of a concentrated number of people (such as refugees) in an area put substantial pressure on host communities and local natural resources to meet their needs such as firewood extraction, which is the primary cooking fuel, especially in the Kigoma Region in Tanzania. At present over 90% of households across the two refugee camps in the Kigoma Region use firewood for cooking which they collect from the forests within and around the refugee camps. The population density in the camps intensifies the scarcity of firewood causing over-exploitation of nearby forest resources resulting in a high deficiency in supply. Moreover, a third camp, Mtendeli which was closed in 2021 caused an increase in refugees and additional pressure on natural resources in Nduta camp where refugees from Mtendeli were relocated to. The impact and effects of climate change have had a considerable impact on rivers, and water catchment areas, and intensified deforestation, which is further perpetuated by the increase in the regional population. As an effort to curb deforestation, DRC and the government of Tanzania have been planting trees and conserving the remaining natural forests as part of forest restoration and protection in the Kigoma Region. However, prior to this project, the only way to conduct forest cover monitoring was through direct on-site field observation.