LiDAR Technology for Forest Monitoring in São Paulo: Supporting Public Policies for Climate Change Mitigation

• Grant number: 24/15211-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Forestry Resources and Forestry Engineering - Nature Conservation
• Principal Investigator: Matheus Pinheiro Ferreira
• Grantee: Matheus Pinheiro Ferreira
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Angelica Faria de Resende ; Daniel Rodrigues dos Santos ; Nathalia Cristina Costa do Nascimento ; Paulo Guilherme Molin ; Pedro Henrique Santin Brancalion ; Rafael Barreiro Chaves ; Rafael Duarte ; Rodrigo Eiji Hakamada

Abstract

Climate change presents a critical challenge to environmental sustainability, impacting ecosystems and societies globally. Native forests are essential in mitigating these impacts, playing crucial roles in carbon sequestration, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation. Effective monitoring of these forests is vital for implementing public policies aimed at mitigating climate change and sustainably managing forest resources. This project aims to use LiDAR technology to generate precise data on the state's forests, contributing to the goals of the State of São Paulo's Climate Action Plan 2050 (PAC2050). The PAC2050 seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 79% by 2050 and remove carbon from the atmosphere through the restoration of 1.5 million hectares by 2025, aligning with the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In collaboration with the Geographic and Cartographic Institute of the State of São Paulo (IGC-SP) and the Secretariat of Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (SEMIL), which coordinates PAC2025 and the Refloresta-SP Program, the project proposes to validate these data with point clouds collected in 150 plots of 50 hectares using a drone-LiDAR system. Validation will ensure the accuracy of the data obtained. The main objectives include developing cartographic products and spatial and methodological analyses, such as: a) maps of successional stages, forest degradation, edge effects, and carbon sequestration potential; b) landslide and flood risk maps; c) restoration area diagnostics; d) a labeled tree species database; and e) development of parameters for the remote monitoring of restoration projects. The results will provide support for the formulation of effective public policies, improving forest management and conservation and promoting the integration of advanced technologies in environmental management. (AU)