CI Earth for Forestry
The forest mapping module of CI World is called CI Earth.
Using our CI Earth software, a hand-held computer (HHC) unit enabled with a GPS receiver allows for accurate mapping of forest resources, including the gathering of tree census information and the creation of a standing inventory record. A forest area designated for logging can be quickly and precisely mapped by use of a robust hand-held device. CI Earth's icon driven interface can be used to navigate the device making the system very easy to use.
Forestry inventory mapping
For forest operators, CI Earth makes creating maps and inventories of areas to be harvested a simple task. The boundaries of each forest management unit can be mapped simply by walking them and then, as the unit is demarcated into blocks, details of each tree eligible for harvest can be recorded quickly and accurately.
CI Earth also allows for monitoring of community land use and facilitates informed land use planning. Local communities can use CI Earth to identify their own forest and pinpoint locations that are important to them such as religious sites or specific areas rich in food source.
When the data is uploaded to the server, maps are created that can be shared so that plans can be made with the agreement of all parties involved. Boundaries are clearly mapped, key trees are protected and access routes preserved enabling multi-stakeholder forest management programmes and minimizing any risk of conflict.
These maps can be shared online by all the authorized users involved in the forest management process.
Carbon sequestration monitoring
CI Earth, when used as a combined solution to record commercial forest inventory and catalogue information relating to community forest assets can provide an effective platform on which to develop carbon sequestration monitoring projects. This platform allows users to monitor and demonstrate their efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD).
Benefits of CI Earth
CI Earth substantially reduces the costs involved in forest mapping through:
- Substantially reducing the time required to gather data (from months to weeks in some cases)
- Reducing dependency on outside technicians
- Providing a significant reduction in resources required compared to paper-based mapping systems
CI Earth provides increased management control over mapping, felling and stock control in the forest through:
- The generation of detailed reports of activity in the forest
- Identifying problems in real-time which can be addressed immediately
- Generating an auditable trail of timber
- Supporting fast-track certification initiatives which result in premium prices for timber stock
Other benefits include:
- Encouraging input from local people regarding forest management plans in their area
- Creation of maps detailing local flora and fauna for protection and to encourage eco-tourism.
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- Papua New Guinea Fights Illegal Logging with Helveta
- EU Delegation commends progress on development of Wood Tracking System
- Helveta appoints John O’Connell as Chairman
- Helveta achieves ISO 27001 accreditation
- The Government of Cameroon selects Helveta for national wood tracking system to combat illegal logging
- Helveta Wins 2010 ‘Red Herring Top 100 Europe’ Award
- PROFOR: Field Notes: Hand-held Device Tracks Logs
- Helveta secures £5m investment in funding to support its rapid expansion in global forest and food sectors
- Forest Community Monitoring in Cameroon (PDF 844KB)
- CI Earth used in Nigeria for Bio-diveristy monitoring and improved land-management planning
CI World for Forestry
According to the World Bank, illegal logging causes losses in assets and revenue in excess of US$15 billion a year in developing countries alone. Timber companies and governments are using CI World to enhance control of their supply chains, to secure improved inventory management and to promote the economic and environmental future of their local communities. CI World enables the tracking of timber from the standing tree in the ground to finished product for export – right across the supply chain.
CI World for Food
As consumers are becoming increasingly aware of food quality, safety, origin and traceability – pressure is being exerted on processors to keep track of every component in the manufacturing process. CI World is being used to monitor food supply chains from farm to factory providing growers, farmers, producers and agronomists with business critical data on issues ranging from crop quality in the field through to product characteristics as food ships to consumer locations.