Unmanned airborne vehicle-based 4D remote sensing for mapping Rain Forest biodiversity and its change in Brazil (UAV_4D_Bio)

Abstract

This project aims to appropriate and adapt knowledge and technological resources already invested in forested areas of Finland for biomass estimation in reforestation areas in the Atlantic Tropical Forest in São Paulo State. A major problem for the recovery and maintenance of biodiversity in remnants of the Atlantic Forest in São Paulo State lies in effective implementation of ecological corridor features supporting adequate gene flow between these fragments. Brazilian law provides that recovery of Permanent Preservation Areas must include coastal areas of rivers and streams. The Prosecutor of the State of São Paulo maintains a proactive stance so these border regions of the drainage network are effectively recovered, but a suitable solution is required to perform the monitoring of the spatiotemporal evolution of reforestation deployed. It is hoped that an approach based on remote sensing hyperspectral images and laser scan data, taken by UAV platforms, may constitute adequate source of data for monitoring the increased biomass in areas of forest recovery high degree of biodiversity, Accordingly, the transfer of a technology successful in temperate forests should enable the training of qualified human resources for the integration of hyperspectral imaging system embedded in UAV by monitoring the increase in biomass in forested areas of the interior of the Atlantic. The partnership with the team at FGI (Finnish Geodetic Institute) is strategic for this purpose, since it will enable the exchange of experiences regarding the remote monitoring of forested areas in different geographical contexts (Finland and Brazil). (AU)