GISTDA Streamlines Carbon Credit Assessment in Forestry: A Gamechanger Leveraging Space Tech and Geospatial Data
Cutting down costs in forestry carbon credit assessment using space technology
Dive into the fascinating world of carbon market and its vital role in diminishing greenhouse gas emissions, the primary culprit behind global warming.
In the vibrant heart of Asia, Thailand, the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (Public Organisation), or TGO, is the powerhouse driving GHG emissions management in the nation. TGO developed the "Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program" or "T-VER" project to foster voluntary reductions in GHG emissions.
Project participants can generate carbon credits from GHG reductions and removals, which can then be traded in the domestic voluntary carbon market. As of February 17, 2025, a significant 3,598,457 tons of CO2 equivalent carbon credits have been exchanged through T-VER, amounting to 322,614,985 baht.
Carbon credits from forestry projects are garnering popularity, with 315,553 tons of CO2 equivalent traded at an average price of 305.14 baht per ton.
TGO's carbon credit assessment requirements mandate project developers to evaluate and certify credits based on their established methodologies, encompassing a plethora of project types, including energy, transportation systems, waste management, industrial factories, greenhouse gas capture or utilisation, as well as forestry and agricultural sectors.
However, the high costs associated with carbon credit assessment can be prohibitive, especially for small-scale projects. Despite their potential, these projects may forgo development due to unsatisfactory returns.
In comes GISTDA, the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, revolutionizing carbon credit assessments in the forestry sector. By applying space technology and geospatial data, GISTDA promises to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and fosters rapid and precise evaluations.
Recently, TGO certified a novel methodology for "assessing accumulated biomass (carbon) sequestration in forest areas using a Machine Learning model for greenhouse gas management in Thailand" and "biomass assessment in forestry using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the plot level."
These methods support assessments across four forest types and an agricultural crop: Mountain rain forest, mixed deciduous forests, dry dipterocarp forests, mangrove forests, and rubber plantations.
Previously, TGO's methodologies included four options for assessment: counting the number of trees, measuring tree sizes, using remote sensing technologies with artificial intelligence, and other methods approved by TGO.
Moving forward, the use of remote sensing technology, AI, and LiDAR technology by GISTDA promises to assess carbon sequestration more accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Siam Lawawirojwong, Director of the Applied Geospatial Information Department at GISTDA, explained their groundbreaking method, "Using remote sensing technology and AI to analyze data is an efficient method that can be applied across all areas. GISTDA has also developed a digital platform called 'Carbon Atlas' to facilitate the new carbon sequestration assessment method."
GISTDA aims to make this service available through the "Carbon Atlas" platform by 2025's end. This new technology for assessing carbon sequestration is poised to support the nation's policy of increasing green spaces and facilitating more tangible carbon credit projects.
- TAGS
- carbon credit
- Space Technologies
- GISTDA
- cost reduction
- forestry
- revolutionize
Related
- Embracing Sustainability: The Rise of Green Technology
- Carbon Neutrality: A New Era for Corporate Responsibility
- The Path to the Circular Economy: A Solution for Sustainable Development
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The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) is revolutionizing and reducing costs in carbon credit assessment for forestry projects by leveraging space technology and geospatial data. Here's how they achieve this:
Revolutionizing Carbon Credit Assessments
- Space Technology and Geospatial Data: GISTDA uses satellite imagery and geospatial data to monitor forests and assess carbon stocks. This approach allows for more accurate and efficient monitoring of deforestation and forest degradation over large areas, reducing the need for physical surveys and manual data collection. (Source: 1)
- Cost Reduction: Traditional methods of carbon credit assessments are labor-intensive, slow, and costly. By utilizing space technology, GISTDA can automate many processes, such as data collection and analysis, thereby reducing the costs associated with these assessments. (Source: 1)
- Enhanced Accuracy: Satellite data can provide detailed information about forest health, density, and changes over time, enhancing the accuracy of carbon credit assessments. This accuracy is crucial for ensuring that carbon credits are allocated fairly and that projects are effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (Source: 1)
- Scalability: The use of space technology allows GISTDA to monitor forests across large areas simultaneously, making it possible to assess carbon credits for numerous projects at once. This scalability is particularly beneficial for small-scale forestry projects that might not have the resources for extensive on-ground monitoring. (Source: 1)
- Integration with Global Initiatives: GISTDA's approach aligns with global efforts to use space technology for environmental monitoring, such as JAXA's forest monitoring initiatives. This alignment can facilitate collaboration and the sharing of best practices in carbon credit assessment and forestry management. (Source: 2)
- The propagation of technology, particularly space technology, has a profound impact on carbon credit assessments, with the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) championing this transformation.
- In the realm of carbon market, GISTDA's application of space technology and geospatial data has led to substantial cost reductions in assessing carbon credits, catering to both large and small-scale forestry projects.
- By integrating satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing, GISTDA guarantees increased efficiency and precision in monitoring deforestation, forest degradation, and carbon stock assessment.
- This radical overhaul of carbon credit assessments paves the way for a more tangible and accurate means of measuring carbon sequestration in forestry projects, aiding Thailand in meeting its green space policy objectives.
- The exploitation of these advanced technologies foster a more transparent and equitable process of allocating carbon credits, drawing attention to the importance of forestry projects in mitigating climate change.
- As the world grapples with environmental challenges and the quest for sustainability, the disruptive use of technology in carbon credit assessments serves as a beacon of hope for industries, businesses, and nations striving for carbon neutrality.
