Case study: early detection of forest fires

Abstract

Forests are an essential component of the environment. Within the global carbon cycle, they are responsible for about 30% of CO2 balance of the atmosphere (Malhi et al. 2002). Through evapotranspiration, forests also contribute to the water cycle. Besides, they provide natural habitats to animals and plants, preserving the biodiversity of different ecosystems. In fact, it is estimated that at least 60% of all species live in tropical forests (on Biological Diversity 2001). Regarding their economic exploitation, forests can be considered a source of wealth. One-third of them are primarily used for production of wood and other products and 10 million people are employed in forest conservation and management around the world (FAO 2006).