Managing Risk in Colombia with High-Res Real-Time Satellite Monitoring

Note: This piece can also be read in Spanish and Portuguese.

In Search of Sustainable Land Management

Illegal deforestation, unsustainable land use, and climate change pose significant threats to Colombia’s rich and diverse landscapes and the communities who depend on them. Gustavo Marulanda Morales, Director of the Agustín Codazzi Geographic Institute (IGAC), addresses these challenges every day. 

At our “Planet On The Road” conference in Bogotá in August 2024, Marulanda shared how he and his team apply advanced technology to maintain land integrity by mitigating risks and tackling any potential emerging threats. 

Using Satellite Data to Monitor Changes Across the Country 

Colombia is home to one of the world’s largest protected tropical rainforests, including parts of the Amazon. However, deforestation remains a significant challenge. 

Between 2017 and 2021, Colombia lost over 760,000 hectares of forest, primarily due to illegal logging and other unsustainable land uses​ said the World Bank – Global Forest Watch. Enforcement of environmental protection laws is difficult, especially in remote areas where illegal activities are prevalent. To counter this, the Colombian government has set ambitious goals, such as achieving zero net deforestation in the Amazon by 2030 (World Bank). Satellite monitoring provides critical support for these efforts by enabling real-time surveillance of land changes and helping officials enforce environmental laws more effectively.

IGAC, or the Instituto Geográfico Agustín Codazzi (Agustín Codazzi Geographic Institute), is Colombia’s national geographic authority. It is responsible for producing and managing geographic information, including mapping, land surveying, and cadastral activities. IGAC plays a crucial role in territorial management by providing data on land use, natural resources, and environmental risks.

IGAC utilizes Planet’s satellite data for cadastral mapping in order to monitor changes across the country efficiently. High-resolution, near real-time images speed up surveying processes and indicate changes quickly and precisely, helping Colombian entities clarify land use, identify risks, and enforce environmental regulations.

Enhancing Land Management with Satellite Data Accessibility

Marulanda’s team isn’t working alone. They have developed their platform, the “Observatorio de la Tierra y el Territorio,” which provides access to up-to-date data with a range of stakeholders.

When everyone has access to the same data, it becomes easier to unify efforts across various levels of government and the private sector. For example, regional authorities can use this data to coordinate  more efficient water management.

Integrating AI for Improved Decision-Making

Satellite data isn’t the only technology in IGAC’s toolkit. “We are also developing an artificial intelligence plan that will also allow us to be much more assertive,” Marulanda noted. 

AI enables rapid analysis of vast datasets,  providing IGAC with precise information on environmental changes. By integrating AI with satellite monitoring and analysis, IGAC can detect changes in land use faster and respond effectively. Decisive actions informed by AI will help  protect natural resources and communities.

Building Community Resilience

IGAC employs Planet satellite data to track various high-risk events such as floods, droughts, and landslides. By analyzing this data, they can predict these events more accurately and prepare accordingly. This proactive approach helps communities to minimize damage and recover more swiftly after disasters.

In addition to monitoring natural disasters, IGAC uses satellite data to observe changing weather patterns and shifts in land use that may increase vulnerability to climate impacts. Understanding these changes, allows them to  advise local governments and organizations on the best ways to manage resources and protection strategies for at-risk populations. For example, they provide insights on the best locations for infrastructure less likely to be affected by floods or landslides.

This data-driven strategy is vital for improving disaster response. It ensures that emergency services can act faster and more effectively when disasters strike. It also helps communities in planning for long-term climate changes, making them more resilient to future challenges.

Technology for Sustainable Land Management

Colombia’s progress demonstrates the transformative potential of satellite data and AI in land management. Through IGAC’s innovative approach, the country is not only improving its ability to analyze and predict environmental risks but is also fostering data transparency and collaboration across sectors. By enhancing decision-making and building resilience against natural disasters, IGAC is setting a strong precedent for sustainable development. This model shows how leveraging cutting-edge technology can safeguard natural resources, protect communities, and shape a safer, more resilient future for the region and beyond.