GIS - A Tool for Transparency
Within Brasil Mata Viva Programme, the GIS is used in order to ensure security of information and transparency of operations. But, what is exactly the GIS?
The GIS is an operation that involves a Geographic Information System for various purposes. In other words, we use data – information – collected by satellite images, or observation and on-site measurement to understand the performance space and biomes involved to develop and apply our Methodology.
The GIS operation takes into account information divided into two different groups:
(i) Natural: from nature itself, such as rivers, watersheds, forest areas, topography, and;
(ii) Anthropogenic: from human action, such as municipal and state boundaries, roads, presence of cities or farms, and the productive activities developed in such areas.
These examples are called “factors”, since their presence or absence in their particular location is critical to acting through BMV, thus promoting the projects development.
What is the purpose of the GIS?
At first, when we prepare our business plan, we need to thoroughly understand our place of action. The GIS allows our technicians and scientists to know what are the needs of those who live in these regions, including the problems faced in their own development and what are the main areas of protection to ensure the preservation of the biome – Amazon Forest, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado and Pantanal (in case of Brazil). Thus, it tells us which animals live there, what activities can be developed to a positive impact on the region, improving the lives of those who live there or in the areas of influence, for example.
In the monitoring stage, which is when the projects are running, the GIS allows the farmer to know the state of preservation of the forest areas on the properties, as well as allowing the BMV technical team the identification of areas already burned (when it happens), and what is the outcome of the conservation efforts. And it also permits to the investor identify the areas where the Sustainability Credit Units (UCSVT BMV) were generated so the investor would be able to observe the progress, also the preservation of the trees, identifying the landowner, the location municipality, and the property legal status… In short, it is a set of data that is very important to the operation of the Programme and for transparency between partners, investors and associates.
Where are these data?
After gathered the data, we elaborate researches on them, thus listing on BTAAB Online Registry Platform. All the information are kept on the platform for verification. Then, a QR Code is generated, working like a detailed barcode, and each issued UCS Certificate provides a specific code with a serial number (unique), verifying the property data all related information of the producer and buyer.
The QR Code, which can be read by any mobile device connected to the internet, takes to a page on internet via public access, showing relevant data.
There are different levels of access to data, since it is important to maintain the privacy and security of our partners and producers. The essential information is publicly accessible. For more detailed information, a login and password are required, provided by Brasil Mata Viva to producers, auditors, partners and investors upon proper registration.
How can I follow the data?
All these data already gathered and explained are available for public viewing on BTAAB Online Registry Platform, being able to access them at any time via QR Code on your own mobile device or web browser.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.btaab.com.br/
Contribution by:
André Altimare. GIS Specialist, in charge of the GIS sector of Brasil Mata Viva.