Acting PS Rovereto Opens Workshop on Land Cover Mapping and Innovation for Sustainable Forestry
The Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry, Mr Rovereto Nayacalevu, officiated the opening of the Land Use/Land Cover Mapping and Modelling Workshop at the Tanoa Plaza Hotel in Suva today.
The five-day workshop which will run from 8th to 12th April, 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Fiji National Land Cover Change Mapping Working Group which is chaired by the Ministry of Forestry and the United States Forest Service.
In his opening speech, Mr. Nayacalevu emphasized the critical role of land cover mapping in environmental stewardship and innovation.
Mr. Nayacalevu highlighted the workshop's significance in addressing climate change challenges and ensuring the sustainable management of Fiji's forests.
The theme of "Forests and Innovation" resonated deeply with the objectives of the workshop, reflecting the pressing need for advanced methodologies in forest management.
The workshop aims to provide participants with comprehensive training in utilizing GEE for land use/land cover mapping and modelling. Through theoretical discussions and practical exercises, participants will gain proficiency in applying machine learning algorithms and geospatial analysis techniques to produce accurate LULC maps.
The workshop's agenda includes sessions on GEE fundamentals, LULC modelling techniques, and hands-on exercises to implement these models within the GEE environment.
Land cover mapping holds significant implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Accurate and up-to-date land cover information is essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics and assessing the impact of human activities on the environment.
By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the workshop aims to contribute to Fiji's environmental conservation efforts and support initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Land Use/Land Cover Mapping and Modelling Workshop offers a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their technical capabilities and collaborate with experts in the field.
Beyond acquiring new skills, the workshop fosters networking opportunities and encourages collaboration among stakeholders in environmental management.
The Permanent Secretary expressed his gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and organizers for their dedication to advancing Fiji's environmental conservation goals.
He commended their commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable development.
Dr. Bill Monahan, a renowned expert in quantitative analysis and landscape ecology, serves as one of the facilitators for the workshop.
With a Doctorate in Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, Dr. Monahan brings extensive experience in utilizing geospatial technologies, including Google Earth Engine (GEE) for ecological research.
His work with the United States Forest Service focuses on measuring and mapping the impact of forest insects and diseases across the United States, making him a valuable asset to Fiji's land cover mapping initiatives.
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