GIS For Natural Resource Management Program

Course Overview

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful tool for natural resource management, providing efficient spatial data management, analysis, and decision-making capabilities. GIS facilitates the sustainable use and conservation of vital resources like forests, water, and ecosystems by helping managers understand spatial relationships, patterns, and trends. This leads to better-informed decisions about resource allocation, planning, and protection.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Environmental scientists and ecologists
• Natural resource managers
• Urban and regional planners
• Water resource specialists
• Forestry officials
• Wildlife conservationists
• Disaster management professionals
• Researchers and academics in environmental studies

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the fundamentals of GIS in natural resource management.
• Learn to use GIS for resource inventory and mapping, including forests, water bodies, and wildlife habitats.
• Gain skills in monitoring and evaluating changes in natural resources over time using GIS.
• Apply GIS in planning and decision-making processes to analyze resource availability and assess potential impacts of development projects.
• Utilize GIS for watershed management, including analyzing water flow and identifying erosion hotspots.
• Explore the application of GIS in forestry management, from forest inventory to fire management.
• Discover how GIS supports wildlife management through habitat mapping and wildlife tracking.
• Enhance land use planning by using GIS to balance development with conservation goals.
• Use GIS for disaster management by mapping disaster-prone areas and planning effective response and recovery.
• Develop strategies for climate change adaptation using GIS to assess impacts on natural resources.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to GIS in Natural Resource Management

• Overview of GIS Technology: Learn how GIS supports sustainable resource management.
• Understanding Spatial Data: Explore the role of spatial data in resource management.

Module 2: Resource Inventory and Mapping

• Creating Detailed Maps: Use GIS to map forests, water bodies, and wildlife habitats.
• Building Databases: Develop comprehensive databases of natural resources.

Module 3: Monitoring and Evaluation

• Tracking Changes: Use GIS and remote sensing to monitor deforestation, water quality, and habitat loss.
• Data Analysis Techniques: Analyze changes and trends in natural resources.

Module 4: Planning and Decision Making

• Analyzing Resource Availability: Identify areas vulnerable to degradation.
• Impact Assessment: Use GIS to assess potential impacts of development projects.

Module 5: Watershed and Forestry Management

• Water Resource Management: Analyze water flow and plan sustainable water management.
• Forestry Applications: Explore GIS in forest inventory, road planning, and timber harvesting.

Module 6: Wildlife and Land Use Management

• Habitat Mapping: Track wildlife and assess human-wildlife conflict areas.
• Optimizing Land Use: Balance development with conservation goals using GIS.

Module 7: Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation

• Mapping Disaster-Prone Areas: Use GIS for damage assessment and recovery planning.
• Adaptation Strategies: Assess climate change impacts on natural resources with GIS.

Module 8: Benefits of GIS in Natural Resource Management

• Improved Management: Make informed decisions about resource use and protection.
• Increased Efficiency: Streamline data management and analysis with GIS.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitate data sharing among stakeholders.
• Cost Savings and Sustainable Development: Achieve cost savings and support sustainability through GIS.

This course ensures participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, empowering them to utilize GIS effectively in natural resource management.