The Balipara Foundation, in partnership with the Assam Forest School in Jalukbari and the Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, successfully conducted a four-day workshop focused on enhancing skills in geospatial technology for forest frontline staff. Titled “Field to Map: Hands-on Geospatial Training for Forest Frontline Staff in GPS, GIS, and Spatial Data Analysis Using Freely Available Mapping Applications and Open-Source GIS Tools for Forest Protection and Biodiversity Monitoring,” the event took place from August 27 to 30, 2025.
This workshop gathered frontline forest personnel from various regions in Assam, including the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Dhansiri Forest Division. Participants engaged in practical fieldwork combined with digital learning, developing the necessary skills to incorporate geospatial technology into everyday tasks related to forest protection and biodiversity monitoring.
Training sessions covered essential topics, including the use of GPS devices, saving waypoints, demarcating transects, calculating areas, and creating habitat maps using platforms like Google Earth. Participants also delved into mobile applications such as Mapillary, NoteCAM/Conota Camera, and GPS Essentials for effective data capture and visualization. A notable session on Global Forest Watch provided insights into near real-time monitoring tools, while the workshop concluded with an introduction to QGIS, an open-source GIS software for analyzing spatial data and integrating maps for long-term forest management.
Dimpi Bora, the Director of the Assam Forest School, highlighted the significance of this initiative by stating that training in GIS and GPS is a highly sought-after skill set for forest staff. She expressed satisfaction that such essential knowledge is now being made accessible through practical workshops.
The program wrapped up with an interactive discussion and a certification ceremony, honoring participants for their dedication to advancing their technical skills. This initiative aligns with the Balipara Foundation’s Naturenomics vision, aimed at integrating ecological knowledge with economic practices to empower communities and create resilient landscapes across the Eastern Himalaya.
Since its inception in 2007, the Balipara Foundation has been actively engaged in restoring forests, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable ecosystems through its Naturenomics approach, which harmonizes ecological and economic principles.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/balipara-foundation-conducts-geospatial-training-for-assams-forest-frontline-staff-1272221-2025-09-04?utm_source=rssfeed
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-09-04 10:48:00
